The Chicago Bears (4-2, 4-1-1 ATS, 3-3 O/U) are set to clash with the Washington Commanders (5-2, 5-1-1 ATS, 5-2 O/U) in an NFC showdown this Sunday afternoon. The Bears come off a victory against the Jaguars in week six, while they enjoyed a bye last week. The Commanders, fresh from a home win against the Panthers, aim to maintain their momentum. Last season, the Bears triumphed over the Commanders with a convincing 40-20 victory.
When it comes to NFL Picks, Chicago is proving to be a formidable force!
Bears Aim for a Winning Streak
The Chicago Bears have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. After starting the season 1-2, they have bounced back with three straight wins, defeating the Rams, Panthers, and securing an impressive 35-16 victory against the Jaguars in week six as underdogs. Despite this, they currently sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a 4-2 record. The Bears have successfully covered the spread in three consecutive games.
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, has shown remarkable improvement after a shaky start. He threw for 304 yards against the Panthers and 226 yards against the Jaguars, accumulating a total of 1,317 passing yards this season with a 9:5 touchdown to interception ratio.
Running back De’Andre Swift contributed 91 rushing yards in the recent game against the Jaguars, bringing his season total to 325 rushing yards with an average of 3.6 yards per carry. DJ Moore remains a key target for Williams, leading the team with 314 receiving yards and achieving over 100 yards in a game this season. The Bears’ offense is currently averaging 301.5 yards per game and has scored at least 24 points in three consecutive outings.
Defensively, the Bears have been consistent, allowing 21 points or fewer in every game this season. They held the Jaguars to just 278 total yards, including 210 passing yards. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson has emerged as one of the top performers this season, contributing to a pass defense ranked 6th in the league and a rush defense at 11th. Overall, Chicago averages 24.7 points per game, ranking 12th, while limiting opponents to an average of 16.8 points, which places them fourth.
Commanders Secure Fifth Win Over Panthers
The Washington Commanders currently lead the NFC East, surpassing expectations with a solid performance this season. They faced a challenging 30-23 defeat against the Ravens in week six but rebounded impressively with a 40-7 victory against the Panthers as 10-point favorites. The Commanders have covered the spread in four of their last five games.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick, has had a strong season, throwing for at least 233 yards in four of his last five games. He has amassed 1,410 passing yards with a 6:2 touchdown to interception ratio and is also a threat on the ground with 371 rushing yards. However, Daniels is questionable for the upcoming game due to a rib injury, having missed practice on Thursday. If he cannot play, veteran Marcus Mariota will step in, having recorded 205 passing yards last week.
Running back Brian Robinson Jr. returned to action last week after missing week six due to injury, gaining 71 yards. He has totaled 396 rushing yards this season. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has surpassed the 100-yard mark twice this season, leading the team with 454 receiving yards. The Commanders have been a strong offensive team, scoring 34 or more points in four of their last five games and averaging 394 yards per game.
Defensively, the Commanders have performed adequately, limiting opponents in three of their last four encounters. After a tough outing against the Ravens, where they allowed 484 total yards, they recovered to restrict the Panthers to just 180 yards, including 85 passing yards. The pass defense ranks 12th while the rush defense stands at 18th. Washington boasts a league-leading average of 31.1 points scored per game, while allowing an average of 21.7 points, placing them 15th.
Key Predictions for Bears vs. Commanders
The Chicago Bears are riding high with three consecutive wins, including two decisive victories in their last games. The Washington Commanders are enjoying a successful season but face a tough challenge against a Bears defense that is among the best in the league.
Chicago’s recent offensive performance has been impressive, scoring 36 and 35 points in their last two games, with Williams passing for 530 yards. The Commanders’ pass defense has shown vulnerabilities, allowing 323 passing yards against the Ravens, and their cornerbacks are not elite. Additionally, the potential absence of QB Daniels due to injury could lead Washington to rely more on their rushing game, which the Bears have effectively contained, allowing only 112 rushing yards per game.
