4 key matchups to watch in Bears vs. Eagles Black Friday showdown

Chicago Bears fans will wake up from their Thanksgiving food comas just in time for the biggest game of the Bears’ season.

Chicago (8-3) travels to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles (8-3) in a Black Friday showdown that could dictate the direction of the rest of the 2025 season.

NFL experts aren’t feeling good about the Bears’ chances to win this game — only 9% picked Chicago — but that’s only because Chicago hasn’t announced their arrival as a legitimate contender with a signature win.

A victory over the Eagles could change perception, but it won’t come easily.

Here are the four key matchups the Bears must win in order to emerge victorious.

Ben Johnson vs. Vic Fangio

Let’s begin with the obvious. Ben Johnson must prove to be the most talented play-caller on the field on Friday, but he’ll be challenged by a coordinator Johnson called ‘the Godfather.”

“He’s outstanding at what he does,” Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said of Fangio. “Everywhere he’s been, he’s coached top-level defenses. Go all the way back to the freaking Dome Patrol back in New Orleans, he was part of all those things. I got a lot of respect for him and what he’s been able to accomplish defensively.”

Johnson has his work cut out for him.

The Eagles’ defense ranks eighth in points allowed per game, including third in redzone touchdown percentage allowed. As a result, the Bears will need big plays to produce points on Friday.

And that should be in Johnson’s wheelhouse.

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