Browns vs. Bears: Week 15 Clash Set for a Frigid Soldier Field Showdown
The Cleveland Browns head into Soldier Field this Sunday to face the Chicago Bears, and if the forecast holds, this one’s going to be as cold as it gets-both in temperature and playoff implications. These two teams arrive in very different places: the Bears are chasing postseason dreams, while the Browns are staring down a season that’s become more about the future than the present.
Still, don’t mistake this for a throwaway game. There’s plenty on the line-pride, player development, and streaks both teams would love to extend or snap.
The Matchup at a Glance
- Records: Browns (3-10), Bears (9-4)
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m.
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- Where: Soldier Field, Chicago
- TV: FOX (Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, Allison Williams)
- Radio (Cleveland): 850 ESPN Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX, 1300 AM La Mega
- Radio Crew: Andrew Siciliano, Nathan Zegura, Jerod Cherry
Recent History: Rare But Competitive
This is one of the NFL’s less frequent matchups, but there’s some history here. Cleveland leads the all-time series 11-7, though wins in Chicago have been hard to come by.
The Browns have only taken two road games from the Bears, the last one all the way back in 1969. Their most recent meeting came in Week 15 of 2023, a 20-17 Browns win.
What’s at Stake
For the Bears, it’s about staying sharp and not getting caught looking ahead to a divisional showdown with the Packers next week. Chicago is trying to extend its home win streak over Cleveland to five straight and keep pace in the NFC playoff picture.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is in evaluation mode. With a 3-10 record and a long injury list, this game is another chance for young players-especially rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders-to gain valuable reps in hostile conditions.
Injury Report: Browns Banged Up
The Browns are limping into this one. Among those ruled out are:
- RT Jack Conklin (concussion)
- DT Adin Huntington (quad)
- TE David Njoku (knee)
- RB Dylan Sampson (calf/hand)
- RG Wyatt Teller (calf)
- CB Denzel Ward (calf)
- QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles)
Cleveland also has a handful of key contributors listed as questionable, including:
- LG Joel Bitonio (knee/back)
- WR Malachi Corley (concussion)
- DT Mason Graham (ribs)
- WR Cedric Tillman (concussion/ribs)
- G Zak Zinter (back)
For the Bears, they’ll be without:
- DB Kyler Gordon (groin)
- RB Travis Homer (ankle)
Rookie wideout Rome Odunze is questionable with a foot injury.
Key Stats and Storylines to Watch
Run Game Powerhouse vs. Defensive Front Test
Chicago’s ground game has quietly become one of the league’s best. They’re second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (152.6) and fourth in yards per carry (4.89). Since their Week 5 bye, no team has run the ball better-averaging 175.2 yards per game.
That sets up a compelling clash with a Cleveland defense that, while depleted, still boasts elite talent up front. Myles Garrett is fifth in the league in quarterback pressures (64), and his history against Chicago is notable: 5.5 sacks in three career games, his most against any NFC opponent.
On the other side, Bears tackle Darnell Wright has been a rock in protection, allowing just two sacks all season and ranking 13th among tackles in pressure rate allowed (4.4%).
Quarterback Duel: Sanders vs. Williams
This game features two young quarterbacks who aren’t afraid to hold onto the ball and extend plays. According to ESPN, Shedeur Sanders leads the NFL in average time to throw (3.39 seconds) and holds the ball for over four seconds on 22.3% of his passes-a league-high mark. Caleb Williams isn’t far behind, ranking second at 16.7%.
Williams has also shown a clutch gene, leading five fourth-quarter comebacks this season-tied for most in the league.
For Sanders, the numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Despite last week’s loss to the one-win Titans, he threw four touchdown passes and continues to flash the kind of poise and arm talent that Cleveland hopes to build around.
Turnover Battle Could Decide It
Chicago’s defense has been opportunistic all season. Kevin Byard III leads the league with six interceptions, and the Bears as a team sit atop the NFL with 18 picks. That’s a major test for Sanders, especially in freezing conditions where ball security becomes even more critical.
Rookie Tight Ends Making Noise
Keep an eye on the tight ends. Cleveland’s Harold Fannin Jr. has quietly put together a strong rookie campaign, leading the team in both receptions (59) and receiving yards (619). He’s just eight catches away from breaking Kevin Johnson’s franchise rookie record of 66 receptions, set back in 1999.
Chicago’s Colston Loveland is right there with him in the touchdown department-both rookies have four scores, tied for the most among first-year tight ends.
Streaks and Stats That Matter
- The Browns haven’t scored a touchdown on their opening drive since Week 8 against the Patriots.
- Cleveland’s defense hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer in 41 straight games-the longest active streak in the league.
- The Bears are aiming for their fifth straight home win over the Browns.
Uniform Watch
The Browns will be going with their all-white combo-fitting for what’s expected to be an arctic afternoon in the Windy City.
Final Thoughts
This game might not carry playoff weight for both teams, but don’t be fooled-there’s plenty to watch here. From the Bears’ punishing run game and ball-hawking defense to the Browns’ young quarterback trying to grow through adversity, this one has the ingredients for a hard-fought, old-school December battle.
And if the wind starts whipping off Lake Michigan? Buckle up. This could get gritty in a hurry.