The upcoming Black Friday fixture between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field is shaping up to be one of the most compelling matchups of the 2025 NFL season. Both teams enter the Week 13 contest with identical 8-3 records, yet their trajectories could not be more different: the Eagles are battling through a “drama-filled” season to maintain their NFC East lead, while the resurgent Bears have transformed an 0-2 start into a first-place run in the NFC North.
The Chicago Bears have undergone a dramatic cultural and tactical shift under Coach Ben Johnson, going 8-1 in their last nine games. This success is a remarkable turnaround, positioning them for a potential playoff berth for the first time since 2020. Their defence has improved, but the most significant development has been the efficiency of their offensive unit, which is capitalising on opportunities.
However, a key vulnerability for Chicago lies in their run defence, which has surrendered the fifth-most rushing yards per game this season. This weakness will be severely tested by the Eagles’ powerful ground game.
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the game bruised but still leading the NFC East. They are coming off a painful 24-21 loss to the Cowboys, where they blew a commanding 21-point lead. The team will be desperate to put that collapse behind them and solidify their position atop the division.
All eyes will be on Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who is yet to replicate his dominance from the previous season and had a season-low 22 rushing yards against Dallas. This Black Friday game presents a highly favourable matchup for him against Chicago’s generous run defence. A bounce-back performance from Barkley is not only expected but necessary for the Eagles to control the tempo of the game. He is predicted by many analysts to rush for over 100 yards and find the end zone, taking advantage of the space Chicago’s defensive line concedes.
The battle will be won in the trenches and on the ground.
- For the Eagles: They must establish Saquon Barkley early to wear down the Bears’ defensive line, control the clock, and take the pressure off their passing game. The offensive line must assert its dominance to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.
- For the Bears: Their offence must sustain long drives to keep the ball away from the explosive Eagles. Their defence needs to generate pressure on the Eagles’ quarterback to force turnovers and disrupt the rhythm that led to the earlier points surge in their last game. If the Bears can contain Barkley and rely on their improved offensive execution, they have a solid chance at an upset.
This high-stakes matchup promises an aggressive, physical contest, with both teams fighting to maintain their top-of-the-division standing as the season enters its final stretch.
