The National Football League is hosting another Monday Night Football doubleheader tonight with the action starting at 4:15 p.m. Pacific Time with the Atlanta Falcons hosting the Buffalo Bills. An hour later, the Chicago Bears will kick off their game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The last time the Bears and Commanders met was an historic contest that ended with Jayden Daniels connecting on a Hail Mary pass to win the game … a contest that was key to the Commanders moving into the NFC Playoff field by season end. The game also was the beginning of the end for the Bears in so many ways.
Behind rookie first overall draft pick Caleb Williams, Chicago had won four of their first six games and were on the verge of winning their fifth against the Commanders in Washington. But the Bears players celebrated a little too early, and Daniels' miracle last-second toss stole the win and that started a ten game losing streak and a coaching change in Chicago.
Now, with new head coach Ben Johnson in command, the Bears return to the site of the beginning of their 2024 collapse for revenge against a Washington team that has a chance to catch the Philadelphia Eagles in the competitive NFC East Division race. The Eagles were upset by the New York Giants on Thursday night, leaving the door open for Dan Quinn’s team to catch them with a victory.
The Bears also have a chance to close in on the NFC North Division leading Detroit Lions, who lost last night to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bears have split their first four games and have had two weeks to prepare for this game after having a bye last week following their comeback road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Commanders opened the week favored by 4½ points and that line has swelled to 5½. Too many points to give in what should be a highly competitive game.