Bears vs. Chiefs Preview: Rookie standouts, Position battles, and a final test

Brian Fluharty - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese · Senior Writer · 2 hours ago

It's hard to believe, but the 2025 NFL Preseason will come to an end this weekend as all 32 teams conclude their preseason schedule. That includes the Chicago Bears, as they will finish things off on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday (8:20 PM ET/NFL+).

Typically, the final preseason game is nothing more than a glorified practice, as this is the game when most coaches let their fringe roster guys go out and try to earn one of the few remaining spots. While that could be true by the time the game ends, this week will have a different feel and look to it as Ben Johnson is pulling out all the stops. Here are some things to look for, as well as predictions for this week's game with the Chiefs.

True measuring stick

Coming off the win against the Bills last week, not only were the Bears impressive, but it marks the second time in as many preseasons that Chicago has handled the Bills. A lot of people contribute that to the Bills not playing their starters, which did play a role, but you have to give credit where credit is due.

Preseason or not, Friday is going to be a true measuring stick for this team as they will have a chance to see how they stack up against one of the league's best in Kansas City. A lot of that has to do with Andy Reid's decision to play his starters, as the Bears are going to go up against the best the Chiefs have to offer.

Because of that, Johnson has decided to counter with his starters as the Bears are going to play their starters after initially looking like they wouldn't be. Whether or not the starters remain in the game long remains to be seen, but just having them on the field against the Chiefs starters tells you all you need to know about how seriously Johnson is taking this season.

Luther Burden III

This is as clear, cut, and dry as it can be, as Luther Burden is going to be a player to watch. The second-round pick out of Missouri has been as good as advertised, if not better than advertised, and it's starting to look like the Bears got one of the steals in the draft with him.

Whether it be his route running ability to get open, his strong hands, or just the ability to make plays whenever he touches the ball, Burden is the definition of a playmaker and one the Bears haven't had in quite some time. However, the one area of his game that isn't talked about enough has been his blocking, and that alone has impressed the coaching staff.

If any team wants to have both rushing and passing success, it's essential for the entire team to know their assignments and to block when those assignments come up. Burden has taken that to heart and, throughout the Preseason, has been impressive from a blocking side, helping spring several big games. Given his strong run of play, it's safe to assume that he has won over the WR No. 3 position to open the season, and that is scary to think about when you look at the other options.

Who wins the left tackle competition?

There are several position battles that are expected to be decided before the start of the regular season. One of those battles that has continued to pick up steam since the first week of the Preseason has been the battle for the left tackle position, as the Bears still have no idea who will win that spot.

No matter who you talk to about that position, everyone has a different thought as to who might win the starting job and who may not. Rookie Ozzie Tripilo is the favorite right now as he has been performing exceptionally well since the start of Rookie Mini camp. Another second-rounder out of Boston College, Tripilo is starting to look like another steal as he has the size and skill set to be a starting tackle for the next decade.

That alone is music to the Bears' ears as their offensive line has been an issue since 2021. Given the free agent and trade additions they made, combined with the emergence of Tripilo at left tackle, the Bears have arguably the most improved offensive line in the game.

Prediction: Bears win 23-21 over Chiefs

Usually, this would be a game that no one would care about, but given that both teams will be playing their starters for a little bit, it does make this game more intriguing. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and the Bears are going up against one of the best teams in the league.

Preseason or not, the starters will be out there, and if you want to see where the Bears stack up against a team like the Chiefs, you need to see them against their starters, which will happen immediately. After that, it comes down to which team has the better reserve talent and the Bears might have the deeper overall roster. Look for Chicago to end the preseason in style with a 23-21 victory.