Quick Read
- Chicago Bears beat Cleveland Browns 31-3 in Week 15 at Soldier Field.
- Bears defense forced 3 interceptions; Myles Garrett recorded 1.5 sacks, nearing NFL record.
- Caleb Williams threw 2 touchdown passes to DJ Moore; D’Andre Swift scored 2 rushing touchdowns.
- Rome Odunze missed the game after re-aggravating his foot in warmups.
- Bears improved to 9-4, Browns dropped to 3-10; Chicago remains in NFC playoff hunt.
Bears Bounce Back with Commanding Win Over Browns
On a day when the wind chill at Soldier Field dipped to minus one, the Chicago Bears (9-4) showed no signs of freezing up. They delivered a resounding 31-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns (3-10), regaining their momentum after last week’s tough loss to the Packers. The Bears, driven by a relentless defense and sharp offensive execution, answered every challenge in this pivotal Week 15 contest.
Early Defensive Prowess Sets the Tone
From the outset, Chicago’s defense made its presence felt. After a scoreless opening drive, punter Tony Taylor pinned Cleveland deep, and the Browns couldn’t move the ball, quickly returning possession to the Bears. D’Andre Swift seized the moment, punching in a six-yard touchdown to give Chicago an early lead. The defense continued to tighten its grip, forcing turnovers at critical junctures.
Veteran linebacker D’Marco Jackson, stepping up in the absence of Tremaine Edmunds, tipped and intercepted a pass from Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. That takeaway set the Bears up for another scoring drive, with Caleb Williams finding DJ Moore for his first touchdown since November 23. By halftime, the Bears led 14-0, and their defense had stifled Cleveland’s attack at every turn.
Browns Struggle, Garrett Chases History
The Browns managed to get on the board only after halftime, when kicker Andre Szmyt converted a 50-yard field goal. But turnovers haunted Cleveland all afternoon. Sanders, who finished 18-of-35 for 177 yards, was picked off three times, each interception swinging momentum decisively toward Chicago. A crucial moment unfolded when Jerry Jeudy dropped a potential touchdown pass, only for Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson to snatch the ball for another interception.
Despite the team’s struggles, defensive end Myles Garrett provided a silver lining for Browns fans. Garrett notched 1.5 sacks, bringing his season total to 22 and putting him just half a sack away from tying the NFL single-season record. His pursuit of history was one of few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing afternoon for Cleveland.
Swift, Williams, and Moore Lead the Charge
Chicago’s offensive stars shined as well. Caleb Williams orchestrated multiple scoring drives, including two pinpoint touchdown passes to DJ Moore. D’Andre Swift powered in for two rushing touchdowns, while Moore matched him with two scores of his own. The Bears’ offense capitalized on turnovers, converting three interceptions into points and never allowing the Browns to gain any momentum.
Rome Odunze, expected to return from injury, was a late scratch after aggravating his foot in warmups. Nevertheless, the Bears’ receiving corps stepped up, with Moore and others making key plays throughout the game.
Injuries and Inactives: Impact on Both Sides
Both teams entered the game dealing with significant injuries. The Browns were without several key starters, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, tight end David Njoku, and cornerback Denzel Ward. Chicago, meanwhile, missed Rome Odunze, running back Travis Homer, and several defensive linemen. These absences shaped the game’s flow, with depth players forced to step into larger roles.
Statistical Highlights and Betting Insights
Chicago’s win was decisive not just on the scoreboard but across the stat sheet. The Bears defense produced three interceptions and multiple sacks, including back-to-back takedowns to close out the game. Williams threw for two touchdowns and managed the offense efficiently, while Swift ran with power and purpose.
From a betting perspective, Chicago entered as 7.5-point favorites and covered the spread comfortably. The over/under for the game was set at 39.5, and the final tally just nudged past that mark. The Bears improved to 8-4 against the spread this season, while the Browns fell further below .500 in both wins and betting performance (CBSSports).
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this victory, the Bears remain in the thick of the NFC playoff race. Head coach Ben Johnson’s squad will need to build on this momentum as they prepare for another showdown with the Packers next week, a game with major postseason implications. For Cleveland, the loss cements a difficult season, but Myles Garrett’s pursuit of the sack record provides a storyline worth watching as the Browns host the Bills in Week 16.
Takeaways: A Tale of Two Teams
This game was more than a cold-weather clash—it was a showcase of Chicago’s resilience and Cleveland’s ongoing search for answers. The Bears, led by a new generation of talent, executed their game plan to near perfection, demonstrating why they remain contenders in the NFC. The Browns, meanwhile, must regroup and look to salvage pride as the season winds down.
Chicago’s blend of opportunistic defense and dynamic offense proved too much for Cleveland in Week 15. The Bears not only bounced back from adversity but sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they’re built to withstand the pressure, the cold, and the stakes of December football. For the Browns, this result underscores the urgent need for stability and health—while Garrett’s historic season continues to be a solitary beacon amid the struggles. (BearsWire, BrownsWire, CBSSports)