Bengals vs. Bears: Chase Brown’s Crucial Role & Key Matchup Insights 🏈

In a must-win scenario for the stumbling Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), running back Chase Brown emerges as the linchpin against the Chicago Bears (4-3) on Sunday at Paycor Stadium. With Joe Burrow sidelined by injury and veteran Joe Flacco nursing a shoulder ailment but expected to start, the Bengals' offense hinges on a ground-and-pound philosophy to salvage their playoff hopes. Brown, the 25-year-old Illinois product, embodies the elusive, hard-nosed runner Cincinnati desperately needs to exploit Chicago's porous run defense.

Want more Bengals coverage, SHARE this video with a friend!

Through eight games in 2025, Brown has tallied 97 carries for 383 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a modest 3.9 yards per attempt—ranking him 23rd among rushers league-wide. Yet, his efficiency shines brighter in recent outings. Since Week 6, coinciding with Flacco's arrival, Brown has ascended to RB14 in fantasy points per game, averaging 13 touches and 84.6 total yards while converting eight of 11 red-zone rushes.His elusiveness is elite: 16th in missed tackle rate and 13th in yards after contact among qualifying backs, per advanced metrics. This burstiness could dismantle the Bears' 27th-ranked rush defense, which has surrendered 143.3 yards per game and 1,003 total rushing yards through seven contests.

Chicago's front seven, plagued by inconsistencies and missing key playmakers, struggles against patient, physical backs like Brown. For the Bengals, a robust rushing attack isn't just offensive firepower—it's clock control against a Bears squad fresh off a Ravens drubbing, boasting rookie QB Caleb Williams' arm talent. Brown's ability to grind out first downs sets up play-action for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, easing Flacco's burden in a projected close contest (Bears -2.5 favorites). Ultimately, Brown's importance transcends stats; he's the heartbeat of a Bengals resurgence. A 100-yard outing could flip the script, securing a 4-5 record and momentum. In a league where balance wins, Brown's Sunday performance might define Cincinnati's season—turning desperation into dominance.

#Bengals #ChaseBrown #OffTheBench