The Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles are set to collide in one of the most consequential regular-season games in recent memory — not on Thanksgiving, but on Black Friday. On November 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, these two 8-3 teams will battle at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with playoff seeding, momentum, and pride hanging in the balance. The Eagles, defending Super Bowl LVIII champions, enter as 7-point favorites, but the Bears’ four-game winning streak and improbable record tell a different story — one of grit over glory.
Two Teams, One Record, Opposite Stories
Both teams sit atop their divisions — the Bears in the NFC North, the Eagles in the NFC East — yet their paths here couldn’t be more different. Chicago’s 8-3 record is built on narrow wins, late-game heroics, and defensive stops. Their point differential? Minus-3. That’s not a typo. Despite winning eight games, they’ve given up more points than they’ve scored. Only two other teams in NFL history have managed eight or more wins through 12 games with a negative point differential. The Bears’ outlier? A 31-point loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 — a game that still haunts their margin of victory calculations. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been the model of consistency — until recently. Their 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12 snapped a five-game win streak and exposed cracks in their offensive line. That’s where the absence of Lane Johnson, the 35-year-old All-Pro tackle, becomes critical. Johnson, who’s played 157 consecutive games, is a human wall. Without him, the Eagles’ protection for quarterback Jalen Hurts becomes vulnerable — especially against a Bears defense that’s been quietly improving under coordinator Alan Williams.The Matchup That Could Decide the Game
Look no further than the battle between Montez Sweat and Fred Johnson. Sweat, 27, has been on a tear — six of his 7.5 sacks this season came in the last six games. He’s a speed rusher with a devastating spin move, and he’s been lighting up opposing right tackles. Fred Johnson, Chicago’s 27-year-old right tackle, has been solid but inconsistent. He’s allowed just two sacks all season, but he’s been flagged for holding three times in his last four games. If Sweat can get consistent pressure, he could force Hurts into bad decisions — or worse, a turnover. On the other side, the Bears’ secondary is a question mark. Safety Tyreek Stevenson didn’t practice all week, and his status is doubtful. That’s bad news for a Chicago defense that relies on deep coverage to offset its lack of offensive firepower. If Stevenson can’t play, expect rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon — the 2024 first-round pick — to see heavy snaps. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but facing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the road? That’s a baptism by fire.Black Friday, Big Stage
This game isn’t just about playoff positioning — it’s about the NFL’s bold new strategy. For the first time ever, the league has scheduled a prime-time regular-season game on Black Friday, streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The move is a direct challenge to Thanksgiving’s traditional dominance and a bet that holiday shopping fatigue can be offset by football adrenaline. With 240 countries and territories able to stream the game, the NFL is turning a retail day into a global sports event. The atmosphere inside Lincoln Financial Field will be electric. The stadium’s 69,176 seats will be packed with fans who’ve waited all year for this matchup. The Eagles’ home record (4-1) looks strong, but the Bears are 4-2 on the road — and they’ve won their last three away games by an average of 4.3 points. They don’t need to dominate. They just need to survive.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreboard
The winner of this game will likely control their own destiny for a top-two seed in the NFC playoffs. The loser? They’ll be forced to rely on other results — and potentially face a tougher path to Super Bowl LIX, set for February 9, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. For the Bears, a win would validate their season. They’ve been written off since Week 2. Their offense ranks 25th in yards. Their quarterback, Caleb Hanie, has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. But they win. And they win when it matters. This game could be the moment they transition from underdogs to contenders. For the Eagles, it’s about legacy. Can they defend their title? Or has the magic faded? Losing to a team with a negative point differential — on the road, without their best offensive lineman — would raise serious questions about their championship mettle.What’s Next?
If the Bears win, expect their confidence to surge into December. Their schedule eases after this game — only one opponent remaining has a winning record. If the Eagles win, they’ll be heavy favorites to win the NFC East and host a playoff game. But if they lose? The pressure shifts. The media will start asking if they’re still the team to beat. One thing’s certain: this isn’t just another November game. It’s a turning point.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this game being played on Black Friday?
The NFL is expanding its holiday programming beyond Thanksgiving to capture more viewers during the retail-heavy weekend. By partnering with Amazon Prime Video for exclusive streaming, the league aims to attract younger audiences and international fans. This is the first Black Friday NFL game in league history, signaling a strategic shift in how the NFL schedules high-stakes matchups.
How does Chicago’s negative point differential affect their playoff chances?
Despite being 8-3, the Bears are the third team in NFL history to reach eight wins with a negative point differential, largely due to a 31-point loss in Week 2. While this doesn’t disqualify them from playoffs, it makes them vulnerable in tiebreakers. The NFL uses point differential as a tiebreaker after head-to-head results, so every point matters — especially if they finish tied with another team.
Who are the key players to watch on defense?
For the Eagles, Montez Sweat is on a personal hot streak with six sacks in his last six games. For the Bears, Kyler Gordon and Jaylen Johnson may be thrust into bigger roles if Tyreek Stevenson can’t play. Sweat’s matchup against Fred Johnson could decide the game — if the Bears’ right tackle can’t contain him, Hurts will be under constant pressure.
Why is Lane Johnson’s absence such a big deal?
Lane Johnson, 35, has played in 157 straight games and is widely regarded as the NFL’s best right tackle. His absence leaves a massive hole in Philadelphia’s offensive line, especially against a Bears defense that’s improved its pass rush. Without Johnson, Hurts may have less time to throw, and the Eagles’ run game could suffer — both critical in a low-scoring, high-pressure game like this one.
Can the Bears really beat the Eagles on the road?
Yes — and they’ve proven they can. Chicago is 4-2 on the road this season, and their last three away wins were by a combined 13 points. They don’t need to outscore the Eagles; they just need to avoid mistakes, force turnovers, and let their defense carry them. The Eagles’ recent offensive struggles and Johnson’s injury make this possible — even likely, according to some analysts.
What does this mean for Super Bowl LIX?
The winner gains serious momentum and likely secures a top-two seed, avoiding early playoff road games. The loser still has a path, but it gets harder. With Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, teams with home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs have a better shot. This game could determine which team enters the postseason as the favorite — not just in the NFC, but in the entire league.
