Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) are set to battle the Chicago Bears (4-3) this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium. Both teams are desperate to bounce back after tough recent outings, but all eyes will be on Chase, whose explosive playmaking continues to defy quarterback uncertainty in Cincinnati.

Even without Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ offense finds rhythm through Chase’s brilliance — a player capable of changing the tone of any game with one big play.The Bears, on the other hand, enter this matchup knowing the challenge that lies ahead. Their defense has shown flashes, but without key starters in the secondary, slowing down a receiver of Chase’s caliber could be their toughest task yet.

Will Ja’Marr Chase play against Bears today?

So far, all signs point to yes. Ja’Marr Chase will play today’s game against Bears.

Chase remains the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s offensive game plan, and even without Burrow, he’s been nothing short of spectacular. Through eight weeks, the star wideout has 70 receptions for 720 yards and five touchdowns, proving that his dominance extends beyond any quarterback connection.

Veteran safety Kevin Byard, who’s faced Chase before, offered insight into what makes him so dangerous: “The secondary and linebackers will need to know where he is at all times.”

It’s advice the Bears’ young defenders would be wise to follow. Whether Joe Flacco or Jake Browning starts under center, the Bengals’ best shot at beating Chicago depends heavily on Chase’s ability to exploit mismatches and find space.The Bears’ cornerback situation adds another layer of intrigue. With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon both sidelined, the responsibility falls on less experienced players like Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright to contain Chase.

That’s a tall order against a receiver who has dominated at every level of the field — short, intermediate, and deep.

Chase’s presence could dictate the Bengals’ offensive rhythm

Chase’s versatility makes him nearly impossible to neutralize. He’s powerful enough to break tackles after the catch, quick enough to separate cleanly on routes, and fearless when tracking deep passes. As the Bears prepare for one of the league’s most complete wideouts, Cincinnati will likely use him early and often — from quick screens to deep posts — to test Chicago’s injury-hit defense.

The Bengals may lack their star quarterback, but Ja’Marr Chase gives them hope every single week. His presence alone forces defensive adjustments, creates openings for teammates, and keeps Cincinnati’s playoff pulse alive. If the Bears underestimate him, it could be another statement performance from one of the NFL’s most electrifying receivers.Also Read: Eagles make game-changing trade for Jaire Alexander, reshaping defense just in time for playoff push