When Caleb Williams, quarterback of the Chicago Bears steps onto the field at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on Monday, October 13, 2025, the NFL’s Week 6 showdown promises fireworks. Across the yard line, Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders’s franchise quarterback, is ready to prove why he was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. The stakes? A chance to climb the NFC East ladder, a four‑game Monday Night Football winning streak for Washington, and a much‑needed statement win for a Bears team that finally looks less like a rebuilding project and more like a contender.
Historical Rivalry at a Glance
The two clubs have tangled 54 times since 1932, with the Commanders holding a slim 28‑25‑1 edge. The series was lopsided between 1989 and 2016 when Washington rattled off 13 wins to just two losses, including back‑to‑back six‑game streaks that left Chicago fans bruised. The most recent clash on Oct. 27, 2024 ended 18‑15 after Daniels launched a 52‑yard touchdown to Noah Brown on the final play—a reminder that this rivalry can flip on a single snap.
Offensive Firepower Meets Defensive Vulnerabilities
Both teams rank inside the NFL’s top‑10 for scoring. Washington averages 26.8 points per game, while Chicago posts 25.3. The Commanders’ ground game leads the league at 156.4 rushing yards per contest, a stark contrast to the Bears, who sit 31st in rushing yards allowed (164.5) and surrender a league‑worst 6.1 yards per carry. As Rohit Ponnaiya, analyst at Covers.com, bluntly put, “That’s bad news against a Commanders attack that leads the NFL with 156.4 rushing yards per game.”
Defensively, the Bears have cut their sack percentage in half from a disastrous 10 % in 2024 to 4.55 % this season—now the tenth‑best rate league‑wide. Yet the unit still ranks in the bottom five for points allowed per drive, keeping them vulnerable to Washington’s high‑tempo, no‑huddle style, which is the third‑fastest in the league.
Betting Market & Prop Highlights
Sharp money has Washington listed as a 4.5‑point favorite (‑110) on Bet365, with the over/under set at 49.5 points (‑110). Prop enthusiasts will note a few juicy angles: Bears tight end Rome Odunze can cash in on an anytime‑touchdown bet at +140, while Daniels throwing two or more touchdowns sits at +120. The betting line reflects the consensus that Washington’s balanced attack should outpace Chicago’s still‑growing defense.
Player Spotlights: The Young Guns
Williams, the 2024 No. 2 draft pick, has nudged his offensive EPA ranking from 26th to 22nd in just a year, thanks to an improved pocket and a more disciplined offensive line. Meanwhile, Daniels is returning from a two‑game ankle layoff and looks eager to silence critics who questioned his durability after the 2024 season.
Both signal a generational shift for their franchises. The Bears, after enduring three straight last‑place finishes in the NFC North (2022‑2024), finally look competitive. The Commanders, meanwhile, aim to string together back‑to‑back wins for the first time under their new leadership, tying the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC East lead.
What’s at Stake?
For Washington, a win not only extends their Monday night streak but also puts them within a half‑game of the Eagles, reviving a division race that has been dormant since 2019. For Chicago, a victory could be the catalyst that ends a 21‑43 record against NFC opponents since 2020—a record that currently ranks fourth‑worst in the league.
Beyond the standings, this game is a litmus test for the two rookie quarterbacks. Can Williams keep the Bears’ offense moving while the defense clamps down? Will Daniels’ poise survive a hostile crowd and a relentless Bears pass rush? Answer those, and you’ve essentially decided which franchise’s rebuild is on the right track.
Key Takeaways & Predictions
- Washington’s rushing dominance and faster tempo give them the edge in the trenches.
- Chicago’s improved sack rate may force Daniels into uncomfortable throws, but the Bears’ aerial attack could keep the game close.
- Expect a high‑scoring affair; the over 49.5 looks appealing.
- Betting on a Daniels two‑TD performance carries decent value at +120.
- Both teams’ young quarterbacks are poised to make a case for playoff contention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could weather impact the Bears‑Commanders game?
Landover expects partly cloudy skies with a low of 58°F on Monday. While rain isn’t forecast, a sudden drizzle could favor Washington’s ground attack, as a slick surface makes footing harder for Chicago’s defensive backs, potentially leading to more rushing yards and a higher scoring total.
What does the latest injury report say for both teams?
The Commanders list Daniels as 100 % after missing two games with an ankle sprain; their leading rusher, Brian Robinson, is also cleared. Chicago reports no new injuries, but starting safety Demontre Hurst is questionable with a hamstring strain, which could affect their secondary depth.
Why is the over/under set at 49.5 points?
Both squads rank in the top‑10 for points per game, and their defenses are among the league’s weakest in stopping drives. Add Washington’s 156.4 rushing yards per game to Chicago’s 25.3 points scored, and the math points to a high‑scoring contest, making the 49.5 total a realistic projection for bettors.
How does this game affect the NFC East race?
A Washington win ties them with the Philadelphia Eagles at 4‑2‑0, sharpening the division battle. A loss would drop the Commanders to 3‑3, giving the Eagles a clear lead and potentially reshuffling home‑field advantage scenarios for the latter part of the season.
What’s the significance of the Bears’ sack rate improvement?
Halving the sack percentage from 10 % to 4.55 % reflects better protection for Williams and a more disciplined offensive line. It also suggests that Chicago can stay in the pocket longer, which could be pivotal against a fast‑paced, no‑huddle Commanders attack that thrives on forcing hurried throws.
