On Monday night, October 13, 2025, the Chicago Bears squeaked past the Washington Commanders 25‑24 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, delivering a surprise win in a tightly contested NFC showdown. Quarterback Caleb Williams finished with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Commanders signal‑caller Jayden Daniels completed 22 of 37 passes for 221 yards, also staying turnover‑free. The one‑point margin kept the Bears alive in the NFC race and sent Washington’s home‑field winning streak to a single game.
Game Overview
The Monday Night Football clash was billed as a battle of contrasting strengths: Chicago’s bruising defense versus Washington’s league‑leading rushing attack. Both teams entered the game with 2‑2 records, but the Commanders boasted a 2‑0 home record and a recent road victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The stadium lights were bright, the ESPN broadcast crew was ready, and the betting lines reflected a modest Commanders favorite at –3.5 points with a 49.5 over/under.
From the opening drive, the Bears leaned on a short‑pass game that set up a 42‑yard field goal. The Commanders responded with a 12‑yard rush from rookie running back Jacory Croskey‑Merritt, who later proved a red‑zone threat. By halftime, the score sat at 13‑10 in Washington’s favor after a defensive‑driven three‑and‑out by Chicago that forced a turnover on downs.
In the third quarter, Ben Johnson’s play‑calling (as offensive coordinator) sparked a 17‑point surge for Chicago, highlighted by a 28‑yard strike from Williams to Terry McLaurin, who had returned from a brief absence. The Commanders answered with a grinding 4‑play, 7‑yard drive that capped off with a Daniels touchdown pass to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was listed as a game‑time decision but ultimately stayed healthy.
The fourth quarter turned into a see‑saw battle. A missed field goal by Washington’s kicker left the Bears with a 24‑17 lead, only for the Commanders to tie it at 24‑24 on a Daniels scramble that earned him a crucial third‑down conversion. With 2:07 left, Chicago’s kicker nailed a 32‑yard field goal, putting the Bears ahead for good.
Key Players and Performances
Caleb Williams capped his first four NFL games with an 8‑2 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio, proving that his college hype can translate to the pro level. He threw for 256 yards, rushed for 28, and was the clear offensive catalyst.
For Washington, Kyler Gordon (though a Bears defensive back) was a notable matchup. His coverage limited Daniels’ deep options, forcing the Commanders to rely more heavily on the ground game.
Defensively, the Bears’ secondary, bolstered by Gordon’s presence, forced two crucial three‑and‑outs in the final quarter. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ run defense, which had been solid all season, finally gave way to the Bears’ late‑game rushing surge led by running back David Montgomery.
Pre‑Game Predictions vs. Reality
Before kickoff, SportsHandle.com listed the Commanders as -3.5 favorites with a 49.5 total. Analyst Nicholas Moreano of Marquee Sports Network expected a 24‑20 Washington win, citing the “battle in the trenches” advantage. In contrast, Scott Bair predicted a 38‑35 Bears triumph, betting on Ben Johnson’s offensive acumen.
The final 25‑24 score fell short of the over/under, confirming the under‑bet recommendation from SportsHandle.com. It also validated Bair’s confidence in the Bears’ offense, while undercutting Moreano’s trench‑war narrative. The over‑under missed by 1.5 points, showing that even the best statistical models can’t always capture late‑game special‑teams swings.
Betting Angles and What the Numbers Show
- Under 49.5 total points hit – Bears’ defense forced two turnovers and limited Washington’s rushing to 173 yards.
- Jayden Daniels over 221.5 passing yards – He threw for exactly 221 yards, just shy of the mark, but added 28 rushing yards.
- Caleb Williams Anytime Touchdown Scorer prop – Successful, as he recorded two TD passes.
- Washington ATS – They lost as 3.5‑point favorites, dropping their 7‑2‑0 ATS streak to 7‑3‑0.
SportsHandle.com’s rationale for the under centered on both teams’ defensive tendencies: Chicago “leaned on defense to win games” while Washington “often slows down after building an early lead.” The game’s pacing, marked by three lengthy defensive stands, proved the analysts right.
Implications for the Rest of the Season
With the win, the Bears improve to 3‑2 and climb to third place in the NFC North, tightening the race with the Green Bay Packers. Their offensive line, which had struggled early, now appears more cohesive after an extra week of preparation – a point Bair highlighted before the game.
Washington, slipping to 2‑3, must reassess its run‑first identity. Despite leading the league in rushing yards per carry (nearly six), the Commanders were unable to convert that advantage into a win when the Bears’ defense tightened in the fourth quarter. Head coach Dan Quinn faces pressure to adjust the game plan before the upcoming matchup against the New York Giants.
Historical Context
This was the first Monday Night Football meeting between the two clubs since 2022, when Washington edged Chicago 31‑28 in a late‑fourth‑quarter comeback. Historically, the Bears have struggled against teams that dominate the run, posting a 4‑9 record when opponents average over 5.5 yards per carry. This victory, therefore, could be a turning point in a franchise that has not made the playoffs since the 2022 season.
Both teams also share a broader narrative of rebuilding under relatively new coaching staffs. Ben Johnson, hired as Bears offensive coordinator in 2024, is in his second season, while Dan Quinn took over Washington in 2023 after a series of losing seasons. Their divergent philosophies – a high‑tempo passing attack versus a ground‑and‑graze approach – continue to shape the NFC’s competitive landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect the Bears' playoff chances?
The win lifts Chicago to a 3‑2 record, putting them within a game of the NFC North leader. If the Bears continue to win on the road, they’ll likely clinch a wild‑card spot, but they still need to stay healthy and keep their offense clicking.
What were the key factors behind the under‑49.5 points prediction?
Both defenses forced three‑and‑outs and limited big plays. Chicago’s early field goal and Washington’s late‑game field goal attempts were the only scoring bursts, keeping the total low. The lack of a high‑scoring fourth quarter sealed the under.
Did Terry McLaurin’s return impact the game?
McLaurin’s presence added a deep threat, evident on a 28‑yard catch that set up a Bears touchdown. However, his limited targets (four receptions) meant the Commanders still relied heavily on the run, which ultimately couldn’t break through Chicago’s defense.
What adjustments might Dan Quinn make going forward?
Quinn may incorporate more play‑action passes to exploit the Bears’ aggressive secondary, and he could rotate in additional blockers to open up his already potent rushing attack, which stalled in the red zone.
How did Ben Johnson’s play‑calling influence the outcome?
Johnson’s aggressive third‑down conversions and the decision to attack the middle of the field in the third quarter sparked a 17‑point surge that ultimately proved decisive, validating pre‑game praise for his tactical acumen.
