SOUTH NEW JERSEY — The NFL’s Black Friday tradition continues to evolve, blending sport, commerce, and holiday spectacle, and today’s matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field epitomizes the league’s growing influence on the holiday weekend. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, and fans nationwide can stream the contest on Amazon Prime Video, with select local broadcasts available on FOX affiliates. The game features two NFC heavyweights, both sitting at 8-3, making this Week 13 clash a critical milestone in the playoff race.
Amazon, in partnership with the NFL, developed the Black Friday game to capitalize on the day’s massive viewership while expanding its streaming platform. By offering the game to both Prime members and non-members, the tech giant introduces millions to its live sports coverage, driving potential subscriptions and engagement. The platform also benefits from enhanced advertising opportunities, including interactive “shoppable” ads, creating a unique intersection of football and retail during one of the busiest shopping days of the year. For the NFL, the game adds another high-value broadcast slot, expands fan engagement, and, for the first time in 2025, delivers global streaming access, allowing fans around the world to tune in without restriction.
On the field, the Eagles have called for fans to embrace the holiday theme, donning black to support the team in their all-black uniforms. Philadelphia enters the game seeking redemption after a heartbreaking 21-point blown lead against Dallas on Sunday, while the Bears arrive with momentum under first-year head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago has impressed with a 7-1 record over its last eight games, demonstrating a high-powered offense averaging over 26 points per contest, driven by Williams’ mobility, precise passing, and growing chemistry with his receivers.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts emphasized the need for focus in the short week. “Everything demands more,” Hurts said. “We all have to take that next step, raise our level of play, raise our level of focus.” Philadelphia’s offense has been efficient, but inconsistent, averaging just over 23 points per game. The team will rely on its strong front seven, including defensive standouts Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and recent addition Jaelan Phillips, to disrupt Chicago’s quick-game attack.
The Bears’ defense, while statistically average, has been opportunistic in tight games, posting a 5-1 record in one-score contests this season. Chicago’s resurgence has been fueled by strategic play-calling, Williams’ leadership under center, and an offensive line that has stabilized in recent weeks. The matchup in Philadelphia sets up compelling contrasts, from the Bears’ dynamic quarterback play to the Eagles’ star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who will look to exploit gaps in Chicago’s front. Running back Saquon Barkley is also expected to play a critical role, using his power and agility to challenge the Bears’ defensive interior.
Injury reports have shaped the strategies for both squads. The Eagles will be without WR Xavier Gipson, T Myles Hinton, and T Lane Johnson, while Chicago will be missing key contributors including LB T.J. Edwards, LB Ruben Hyppolite II, OL Luke Newman, DL Dominique Robinson, LB Noah Sewell, and DB Tyrique Stevenson, with DBs Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon listed as questionable. These absences may force adjustments, particularly in depth and rotational strategies on both sides of the ball.
Special teams may play a pivotal role in today’s chilly, windy conditions, with Eagles kicker Jake Elliott providing a long-range advantage in critical moments. Historical trends favor Philadelphia; the Bears have not defeated the Eagles since 2011, and the Birds have won six consecutive meetings, including a narrow 25-20 victory at Soldier Field three years ago.
Analysts entering the game have given position-by-position pregame grades, highlighting advantages for the Eagles in key areas such as tight ends, wide receivers, the defensive line, and linebackers, while Chicago’s strengths lie in the versatility and resilience of their offensive schemes. Betting lines favor Philadelphia by 6.5 points with a 45.5 over/under and a money line of Eagles -300, Bears +250.
With the Black Friday matchup now an established part of the NFL calendar, today’s game is more than a holiday spectacle—it represents strategic growth for the league, a showcase for emerging talent, and an opportunity for fans to experience top-tier football while enjoying one of the year’s busiest weekends. For fans seeking additional coverage, insights, and updates about football events across New Jersey, Explore New Jersey’s football section offers comprehensive resources for staying connected to the sport.
From the resurgent Bears to the high-powered Eagles, today’s contest promises excitement, tactical battles, and a holiday showdown that continues to reshape how fans engage with the NFL during one of the nation’s most watched weekends.
