Bears Defeat Jets 23-12 at Soldier Field

What we said beforehand

The Chicago Bears will host the New York Jets at Soldier Field on October 4, 2026, in a matchup that features two teams with contrasting recent performances. The Bears enter the game with a home record of 2-1 and are currently on a one-game winning streak, while the Jets are struggling with an away record of 1-2 and have lost their last two games.

In their last five games, the Bears have a record of 3-2, with notable victories over the Carolina Panthers, where they won 59-37, and the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 27-7. Their scoring average over these games is 27.2 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 20.4 points. In contrast, the Jets have a record of 2-3 in their last five, with a recent win against the Tennessee Titans (23-10) but losses to the New York Giants (23-6), Green Bay Packers (20-17 OT), and Detroit Lions (31-24). The Jets have struggled offensively, averaging only 15.5 points per game over their last ten matches, while allowing an average of 29.6 points.

At home, the Bears have been more effective, with a record of 4-2 in their last ten games, scoring an average of 28.6 points and allowing 22.8 points. The Jets, however, have had difficulties on the road, with a record of 1-5 in their last six away games.

In terms of injuries, both teams will be missing key players. The Bears will be without Anthony Johnson Jr., Cam Lewis, Caleb Williams, Ozzy Trapilo, and Jamree Kromah. Williams, who leads the Bears in passing yards with a record of 36 completions on 55 attempts for 407 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, will be a notable absence. The Jets will also be missing several players, including Kingsley Enagbare, Nahshon Wright, Mason Taylor, Kiko Mauigoa, and Adonai Mitchell.

The betting market, via DraftKings, has the Bears favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 43.5 points. The odds for the Bears' moneyline are -192, while the Jets are at +160.

Weather conditions are expected to be mild with a temperature of 70°F, no precipitation, and wind gusts reaching up to 13 mph.

As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Bears' offense adapts without their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams, and how the Jets respond to their recent struggles, particularly in scoring. The outcome of this game could hinge on the effectiveness of the Bears' rushing attack, led by D'Andre Swift, who has accumulated 253 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns this season.