The Chicago Bears’ defense—once the franchise’s pride—was flat-footed in a 52-21 drubbing by Detroit, forcing a sudden identity crisis just two games in. With Jaylon Johnson sidelined by a groin tweak, the unit coughed up big plays, failed to pressure Jared Goff, and allowed Lions receivers to run free. GM Ryan Poles’ heavy defensive investments are under the microscope as Chicago braces for an upcoming Dallas test and tries to salvage a season already off the rails.

Caleb Williams showed well in the early going, threading a clean opening rhythm and using his feet to extend plays as the Bears built a near 20-6 cushion. A wrong-turn moment came when Cairo Santos pushed a 50-yard kick wide, and Chicago watched a dominant through three quarters turn into a chaotic, 27-24 loss at the hands of the Vikings. Williams kept the offense from committing a turnover, but a late fourth-quarter barrage buried the lead

For fantasy managers, Williams’ ground game and ability to avoid turnovers keep him in the weekly mix, while the missed kick and fourth-quarter collapse underscore how kicker variance and late-game defense can swing outcomes. Jefferson’s early impact and Odeyingbo’s pressure frame a game with high ceiling but volatile momentum swings, especially for Bears and Vikings players in lineup decisions.