Sunday night at Soldier Field delivered exactly what Chicago needed and exactly what Pittsburgh feared. The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Chicago Bears matchup lived up to every bit of its prime-time billing, with the Bears edging the Steelers 31–28 in a game that swung momentum four times before the final whistle. Mason Rudolph’s limited ceiling was exposed against a Bears defense that made just enough plays late, while Caleb Williams reminded everyone why Chicago drafted him first overall — three touchdown passes, zero interceptions, and a performance that felt like a genuine coming-of-age moment under the lights.
Match Information
Detail
Info
Match
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Chicago Bears
Date & Time
November 23, 2025, 11:00 PM
Stadium
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Broadcast
NBC
Attendance
59,568
Context & Background: Two Teams Heading in Opposite Directions
Here’s what nobody tells you about late-November NFL games — they rarely get decided by the best team. They get decided by whoever manages the chaos better.
Pittsburgh came into this one riding Mason Rudolph, a quarterback who had shown flashes of competence but carries a ceiling that every honest Steelers fan quietly worries about. Chicago, meanwhile, was building something. Caleb Williams had been inconsistent early in the season, but by Week 12, you could feel the gears turning. The Bears’ offensive infrastructure — DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and the emerging Colston Loveland — was starting to click at exactly the right time.
For context on where both franchises stand in the bigger picture, our NFL Power Rankings breakdown gives you a sharper look at the conference dynamics shaping these results. What unfolded at Soldier Field wasn’t just a divisional-adjacent clash — it was a statement game, and Chicago made it loudly.
Final Score
Team
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Total
Pittsburgh Steelers
7
14
0
7
28
Chicago Bears
7
10
7
7
31
Scoring Summary
#
Quarter
Team
Play
Score
1
Q1
Pittsburgh
Touchdown
PIT 7 – CHI 0
2
Q1
Chicago
Touchdown
PIT 7 – CHI 7
3
Q2
Pittsburgh
Touchdown
PIT 14 – CHI 7
4
Q2
Pittsburgh
Touchdown
PIT 21 – CHI 7
5
Q2
Chicago
Field Goal (47 yd, Cairo Santos)
PIT 21 – CHI 10
6
Q2
Chicago
Touchdown
PIT 21 – CHI 17
7
Q3
Chicago
Touchdown
PIT 21 – CHI 24
8
Q4
Pittsburgh
Touchdown
PIT 28 – CHI 24
9
Q4
Chicago
Touchdown
PIT 28 – CHI 31
Team Stats Comparison
Stat
Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears
Total Yards
357
338
Passing Yards
171
239
Rushing Yards
186
99
Total Plays
67
60
Fumbles / Lost
2 / 1
2 / 2
Interceptions Thrown
1
0
Sacks Allowed
2 (12 yds)
1 (10 yds)
Total TDs
4
4 (3 pass, 1 rush) + FG
Penalties
—
—
Pittsburgh actually out-gained Chicago in total yards — 357 to 338 — and absolutely dominated on the ground. But total yardage doesn’t win football games. Turnovers do. The Steelers lost both a fumble and threw an interception. The Bears lost two fumbles but never threw an interception. That one-turnover edge in the INT column, combined with Chicago’s red-zone execution, is ultimately what separated these two teams by three points.
I’ve watched enough games to know: you cannot hand a team like Chicago a free possession in the fourth quarter and expect to survive it. Pittsburgh learned that the hard way Sunday night.
Quarterback Performance
The contrast between these two quarterbacks tells the whole story of where each franchise is right now.
Mason Rudolph is a game manager. On a good night, he’s functional. On this night, he was slightly below functional — one interception, two sacks absorbed, and a QBR of 54.5 that screams “we didn’t lose because of him, but we didn’t win because of him either.” Caleb Williams, on the other hand, posted a 104.3 passer rating with three touchdowns and no turnovers through the air. That’s a legitimate stat line. That’s a quarterback who is growing in real time.
Pittsburgh QB — Mason Rudolph
Stat
Value
Completions / Attempts
24 / 31
Passing Yards
171
Yards Per Attempt
5.5
Touchdowns
1
Interceptions
1
Sacks / Yards Lost
2 / 12
QBR
54.5
Passer Rating
86.9
Chicago QB — Caleb Williams
Stat
Value
Completions / Attempts
19 / 35
Passing Yards
239
Yards Per Attempt
6.8
Touchdowns
3
Interceptions
0
Sacks / Yards Lost
1 / 10
QBR
67.5
Passer Rating
104.3
Passing Stats
Pittsburgh Passing
Player
C/ATT
YDS
AVG
TD
INT
SACKS
QBR
RTG
Mason Rudolph
24/31
171
5.5
1
1
2-12
54.5
86.9
Team
24/31
171
5.5
1
1
2-12
—
86.9
Chicago Passing
Player
C/ATT
YDS
AVG
TD
INT
SACKS
QBR
RTG
Caleb Williams
19/35
239
6.8
3
0
1-10
67.5
104.3
Team
19/35
239
6.8
3
0
1-10
—
104.3
QB Rushing Stats
Pittsburgh QB Rushing
Player
CAR
YDS
AVG
TD
LONG
Mason Rudolph
3
7
2.3
0
3
Chicago QB Rushing
Player
CAR
YDS
AVG
TD
LONG
Caleb Williams
4
21
5.3
0
9
Rushing Performance
Pittsburgh Rushing
Player
CAR
YDS
AVG
TD
LONG
Kenneth Gainwell
10
92
9.2
0
55
Jaylen Warren
18
68
3.8
1
12
DK Metcalf
2
12
6.0
1
6
Jonnu Smith
2
7
3.5
0
4
Mason Rudolph
3
7
2.3
0
3
Connor Heyward
1
0
0.0
0
0
Team
36
186
5.2
2
55
Chicago Rushing
Player
CAR
YDS
AVG
TD
LONG
Kyle Monangai
12
48
4.0
1
12
Caleb Williams
4
21
5.3
0
9
Luther Burden III
1
15
15.0
0
15
D’Andre Swift
8
15
1.9
0
4
Team
25
99
4.0
1
15
Receiving Performance
Pittsburgh Receiving
Player
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LONG
TGTS
Calvin Austin III
4
36
9.0
0
19
5
Kenneth Gainwell
6
30
5.0
0
13
6
Darnell Washington
2
22
11.0
0
13
2
DK Metcalf
5
22
4.4
0
8
8
Ben Skowronek
1
21
21.0
0
21
1
Jonnu Smith
3
21
7.0
0
8
3
Pat Freiermuth
3
19
6.3
1
14
3
Roman Wilson
0
0
0.0
0
0
2
Team
24
171
7.1
1
21
30
Chicago Receiving
Player
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LONG
TGTS
DJ Moore
5
64
12.8
2
25
7
Rome Odunze
3
53
17.7
0
22
9
Colston Loveland
4
49
12.3
1
17
5
Luther Burden III
3
46
15.3
0
19
5
D’Andre Swift
1
14
14.0
0
14
1
Olamide Zaccheaus
1
6
6.0
0
6
1
Durham Smythe
1
4
4.0
0
4
1
Cole Kmet
1
3
3.0
0
3
1
Team
19
239
12.6
3
25
30
Fumbles
Pittsburgh Fumbles
Player
FUM
LOST
REC
Mason Rudolph
1
1
0
Ke’Shawn Williams
1
0
0
Nick Herbig
0
0
1
Yahya Black
0
0
1
Team
2
1
2
Chicago Fumbles
Player
FUM
LOST
REC
D’Andre Swift
1
1
0
Caleb Williams
1
1
0
Montez Sweat
0
0
1
Team
2
2
1
Defensive Performance
Pittsburgh Defense
Player
TOT
SOLO
SACKS
TFL
PD
QB HTS
TD
Jalen Ramsey
9
3
0
0
0
0
0
Kyle Dugger
6
2
0
0
1
0
0
Payton Wilson
5
4
0
0
0
0
0
T.J. Watt
5
2
1
1
0
1
0
Patrick Queen
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
Keeanu Benton
4
2
0
0
0
0
0
Derrick Harmon
4
2
0
0
0
0
0
Cameron Heyward
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
Joey Porter Jr.
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
Brandin Echols
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
Malik Harrison
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
Jack Sawyer
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
James Pierre
3
0
0
0
1
0
0
Nick Herbig
2
1
0
1
0
0
1
Cole Holcomb
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
DK Metcalf
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Sebastian Castro
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Carson Bruener
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Darius Slay
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Yahya Black
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Team
64
29
1
2
3
1
1
Chicago Defense
Player
TOT
SOLO
SACKS
TFL
PD
QB HTS
TD
D’Marco Jackson
15
5
0
1
0
0
0
Amen Ogbongbemiga
14
2
0
0
0
0
0
Jaquan Brisker
7
4
0
0
1
0
0
Nick McCloud
7
2
0
0
0
0
0
Kevin Byard III
6
4
0
1
0
0
0
Nahshon Wright
6
3
0
0
2
0
0
Tyrique Stevenson
5
4
0
0
0
0
0
Montez Sweat
3
3
2
3
0
2
0
Elijah Hicks
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
Grady Jarrett
3
1
0
0
1
1
0
Gervon Dexter Sr.
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominique Robinson
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
Ruben Hyppolite II
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
Austin Booker
2
1
0
0
0
1
0
Nikola Kalinic
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Jaylon Jones
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Daniel Hardy
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Carl Jones
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Jonathan Owens
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Team
88
40
2
5
4
4
0
Pass Rush Analysis
Pittsburgh Pass Rush
Player
SACKS
TFL
QB HTS
T.J. Watt
1
1
1
Nick Herbig
0
1
0
Team
1
2
1
Chicago Pass Rush
Player
SACKS
TFL
QB HTS
Montez Sweat
2
3
2
Grady Jarrett
0
0
1
Austin Booker
0
0
1
Team
2
5
4
Pass Blocking Analysis
Pittsburgh Pass Blocking
Stat
Value
Sacks Allowed
2
Yards Lost to Sacks
12
Chicago Pass Blocking
Stat
Value
Sacks Allowed
1
Yards Lost to Sacks
10
Coverage Analysis
Pittsburgh Coverage
Player
TOT
SOLO
PD
Jalen Ramsey
9
3
0
Kyle Dugger
6
2
1
Joey Porter Jr.
3
2
0
Brandin Echols
3
2
0
James Pierre
3
0
1
Darius Slay
1
0
0
Team Coverage PD
3
Chicago Coverage
Player
TOT
SOLO
PD
Nahshon Wright
6
3
2
Jaquan Brisker
7
4
1
Grady Jarrett
3
1
1
Team Coverage PD
4
Interceptions
Pittsburgh Interceptions
Note
No Pittsburgh Interceptions
Chicago Interceptions
Player
INT
YDS
TD
Nahshon Wright
1
0
0
Team
1
0
0
Special Teams
Chris Boswell did not attempt a field goal all game — Pittsburgh scored exclusively through touchdowns and extra points, converting all four PATs cleanly. Cairo Santos was perfect for Chicago, drilling a 47-yarder and hitting all four extra points. The punting battle was not close. Tory Taylor averaged 50.5 yards per punt on four attempts with a long of 58, including one inside the 20. Corliss Waitman averaged just 35.3 yards on three punts with a long of 39. That field position gap compounds over four quarters in ways that don’t show up in a final score but absolutely shape the game’s narrative.
Chicago’s kick return game also won the field position battle — Josh Blackwell and Devin Duvernay combined for 134 yards on 5 returns at a 26.8 average. Pittsburgh’s returners managed 63 yards on 4 returns at 15.8. Calvin Austin III’s punt return work — 24 yards on 2 returns — was a bright spot for Pittsburgh’s special teams unit.
Four moments genuinely swung this game, but one stands above all others.
Montez Sweat’s double-sack quarter in the second half disrupted Pittsburgh’s rhythm at the worst possible time, killing a promising drive when the Steelers needed momentum most.
Nahshon Wright’s interception of Mason Rudolph gave Chicago a free possession that led directly to a critical scoring opportunity in a one-score game.
Kenneth Gainwell’s 55-yard rush briefly flipped field position back to Pittsburgh’s favor in what felt like a potential comeback setup — but the Steelers couldn’t convert it into enough points.
Chicago’s final fourth-quarter touchdown drive was the clincher — Caleb Williams managing the clock and the field with a composure that simply wasn’t there earlier in his season. That final scoring march, which put Chicago ahead 31–28 for good, was the most mature football Williams has played in a Bears uniform. It is the moment that will define this game when people look back at his 2025 development arc.
For those tracking how Caleb Williams has developed game by game this season, our Caleb Williams 2025 progress tracker tells the full story with every start broken down.
FAQs
Who won the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Chicago Bears game on November 23, 2025?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–28 at Soldier Field in a closely contested Sunday night matchup decided in the final quarter.
How did Caleb Williams perform against the Steelers?
Williams completed 19 of 35 passes for 239 yards, threw three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, finishing with a 104.3 passer rating — one of his strongest performances of the 2025 season.
Who were the top rushers in the Bears vs Steelers game?
Kenneth Gainwell led all rushers with 92 yards on 10 carries. Kyle Monangai contributed 48 yards and a touchdown for Chicago, while Jaylen Warren added 68 yards and a score for Pittsburgh.
Did Mason Rudolph turn the ball over against Chicago?
Yes. Rudolph threw one interception, intercepted by Nahshon Wright, and also fumbled once which Pittsburgh lost — contributing to a turnover deficit that ultimately cost the Steelers the game.
Who led the Bears defense in tackles on Sunday night?
D’Marco Jackson led all defenders with 15 total tackles, while Amen Ogbongbemiga added 14 tackles. Montez Sweat was the most impactful pass rusher with 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss.
What was the attendance at Soldier Field for this game?
The official attendance at Soldier Field in Chicago for the Steelers vs Bears matchup on November 23, 2025 was 59,568 fans.
How did DJ Moore perform in the Bears win over Pittsburgh?
Moore hauled in 5 catches for 64 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns, making him the most productive skill player on the field from a scoring contribution standpoint.
Which team had better special teams in this game?
Chicago dominated special teams. Tory Taylor averaged 50.5 yards per punt versus 35.3 for Pittsburgh’s Corliss Waitman, and Chicago’s returners averaged 26.8 yards per kick return compared to Pittsburgh’s 15.8.
Final Thoughts
Chicago earned this one — not because Pittsburgh handed it to them, but because the Bears made the plays that mattered in the moments that mattered. Caleb Williams is growing up right before our eyes, Montez Sweat is a legitimate game-wrecker, and this Bears team is starting to look like genuine second-half trouble for anyone on their schedule. Pittsburgh’s ground game was impressive enough to build on, but until the quarterback situation resolves itself, three-point losses in close games will keep happening.
