Why Ben Johnson Now Faces A Must-Win In Seattle On Monday Night

Erik Lambert writes that Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson faces a crucial Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks following recent NFC North results. A Detroit Lions victory over the Minnesota Vikings tightened the division race, meaning a win would move Chicago to 6-2 and second place in the NFC North, while a loss would drop them to 5-3 and entirely out of the current NFC playoff picture.

Lambert highlights Seattle's strong defense under Mike Macdonald and standout wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as major obstacles. The writer argues Chicago's keys to success include leaning on newly acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to pressure quarterback Sam Darnold into turnovers, alongside quarterback Caleb Williams guiding the offense despite running back Kyle Monangai being sidelined with an injury.