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Steelers vs Bears Week 12 Picks and Prediction: Chicago's Home Field Advantage Makes the Difference

Alex Payton

Steelers vs Bears Week 12 Picks and Prediction: Chicago's Home Field Advantage Makes the Difference image

© Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers head to the Windy City this Sunday for a compelling inter-conference battle against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. This matchup features two teams trending in different directions, with the Bears riding momentum from their offensive resurgence under head coach Ben Johnson while the Steelers look to bounce back from recent struggles.

 

Steelers vs Bears Betting Picks and Predictions

Chicago has been one of the league's most improved offenses, averaging 25.8 points per game behind the strong arm of quarterback Caleb Williams. The second-year signal-caller has developed rapidly under Johnson's innovative system, creating a balanced attack that's racked up 373.8 total yards per contest. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh brings a defense anchored by superstar linebacker T.J. Watt and veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, a unit that's generated 33 sacks this season with their relentless pass rush.

The quarterback matchup adds another layer of intrigue, as Williams could face his childhood idol Aaron Rodgers (who is questionable with a left wrist fracture at the time this was written) in what could be a generational passing of the torch moment. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning in their respective divisions, this game carries significant weight as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.

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Steelers vs Bears Betting Odds

Kickoff is set for Sunday, November 23rd at 1:00 p.m. EST from historic Soldier Field in Chicago. The weather forecast shows typical late-November conditions in the Windy City, with potential wind gusts that could impact the passing game.

  • Moneyline: Bears (-143) / Steelers (+120)
  • Spread: Bears -2.5 (-115) / Steelers +2.5 (-105)
  • Total: Over/Under 45.5 (O -110 / U -110)

Betting odds courtesy of MGM

The oddsmakers have installed Chicago as slight home favorites, laying 2.5 points in what projects to be a tightly contested affair. The Bears' -143 moneyline reflects confidence in their ability to protect home field, while Pittsburgh enters as +120 underdogs despite their defensive pedigree. The total of 45.5 points suggests expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, accounting for both teams' offensive capabilities.

Key Statistical Matchups Favor Chicago's Balanced Attack

This game presents a classic clash of styles, with Chicago's explosive offense set to test Pittsburgh's opportunistic defense. The Bears have been remarkably consistent on offense, generating 373.8 total yards per game through a balanced approach that's produced 1,466 rushing yards and 2,272 passing yards this season. Their 391-yard output in last week's victory demonstrated the continued growth under Johnson's system.

The Steelers counter with a defense that thrives on creating chaos, particularly through their pass rush that's accumulated 33 sacks. However, Pittsburgh's offense has been inconsistent, managing just 286.9 yards per game while struggling with turnovers in recent weeks, including a costly three-turnover performance that highlighted their offensive limitations.

The turnover battle could be decisive in this matchup. Chicago boasts an incredible +16 turnover differential, showcasing their ability to both protect the football and create extra possessions. Pittsburgh sits at a respectable +6, but their recent struggles taking care of the ball against a Bears defense that capitalizes on mistakes could be problematic.

Third-down efficiency slightly favors Chicago at 41.0% compared to Pittsburgh's 38.1%, while the Steelers have been more effective in the red zone at 63.3% versus the Bears' 54.3%. These situational advantages could prove crucial in what projects to be a close contest where every possession matters.

Steelers vs Bears Prediction: Chicago Covers at Home

 

The combination of Chicago's offensive momentum and home-field advantage at Soldier Field makes them the smart play in this matchup. While Pittsburgh's defense can certainly disrupt any offense, the Bears have shown remarkable consistency in moving the ball and protecting possessions under Johnson's guidance.

Williams has developed excellent chemistry with his skill position players, and the Bears' ability to establish the run should help neutralize some of Pittsburgh's pass rush pressure. More importantly, Chicago's staggering +16 turnover differential reflects a team that takes care of business on both sides of the ball, while Pittsburgh's recent turnover issues could be exploited by an opportunistic Bears defense.

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Best Bet: Bears -2.5 (-115)

Chicago's offensive reliability, averaging 25.8 points per game, combined with their elite turnover margin gives them multiple paths to victory. Against a Steelers team that's been prone to mistakes, the Bears should have enough offensive firepower to win by more than a field goal at home.

Top Player Prop: D'Andre Swift Over 57.5 Rushing Yards (-111)

The most effective way to neutralize Pittsburgh's dangerous pass rush is through a strong ground game, and Swift figures to be heavily involved in that game plan. With Chicago posting 1,466 rushing yards as a team and Swift's prop set at 13.5 attempts, he's positioned for a productive afternoon. The Bears will likely lean on the running game to control possession and keep Pittsburgh's offense off the field.

Contributing Writer