When Daniel Kohn, senior analyst at SportsLine, posted his preview on October 13, 2025, the buzz was already humming around Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The Monday Night Football showdown pits the Chicago Bears (2‑2) against the Washington Commanders (3‑2) with a 5.5‑point spread favoring Washington. Why it matters? A win could catapult the Bears into a playoff push while the Commanders aim to cement their home‑field dominance.
Game Overview and Stakes
The contest kicks off Monday, October 13, at 8:15 p.m. ET. It’s the first prime‑time clash of Week 6, and both clubs have something to prove. Chicago, sitting fourth in the NFC North, hopes to string together three straight victories after a nail‑biting 25‑24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington, perched second in the NFC East, rides a two‑game home winning streak in the brand‑new Northwest Stadium, a venue that feels more like a fortress than a stadium.
Betting Odds and Expert Predictions
Consensus odds from SportsLine list the Commanders as -5.5 favorites, with an over/under set at 49.5 points. CBS Sports mirrors that line, while Bovada’s Las Vegas sportsbook nudges the total up to 50.0 and tags Washington at -235 on the moneyline. The moneyline swing illustrates how sharp the market is on Washington’s rushing edge and defensive edge.
- Washington Commanders –5.5 (Moneyline –258)
- Chicago Bears +5.5 (Moneyline +225)
- Over/Under: 49.5 points (Bovada 50.0)
- Projected Score: Commanders 27, Bears 20 (Las Vegas contributor)
Meanwhile, Mike Tierney, the veteran NFL analyst renowned for a 31‑17‑2 record on his last 50 Bears picks, weighed in. He didn’t lay out a specific final score, but he emphasized Washington’s ground game and warned that Chicago’s defense could be stretched thin if the Bears’ rookie quarterbacks, Justin Fields and rookie backup, can’t generate enough air‑yard threats.
Injury Report That Could Tilt the Balance
Washington’s receiving corps takes a hit. Terry McLaurin (quad) is listed as doubtful, Noah Brown (groin/knee) is ruled out, and Deebo Samuel (heel) is questionable but expected to suit up. Those absences could force the Commanders to lean even more on their run‑first philosophy, which has been a winning formula this season.
Chicago, on the other hand, appears relatively healthy. The Bears’ offensive line missed a few snaps last week, but no major starters are listed as out. That stability might let them stay competitive despite the odds.
Recent Form: How Both Teams Got Here
Washington opened the season with a 21‑18 win over Tampa Bay, followed by a 24‑17 victory at New York Jets. After two road losses to Dallas and Philadelphia, the Commanders rebounded with a 24‑10 win over the Giants and a 27‑10 demolition of the Chargers. Their offense averages 27.5 points per game, largely fueled by a 158‑yard rushing attack per contest.
Chicago’s season has been a roller coaster. A 23‑17 opener against Tennessee was followed by a 24‑14 setback at Green Bay and a 20‑16 loss to Minnesota. The Bears bounced back with a gritty 25‑24 win over the Raiders, a game decided by a last‑second blocked field goal. That win kept their record even at 2‑2 and gave them momentum heading into Monday’s showdown.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The all‑time series is razor‑thin: Washington leads 28‑25‑1. Last season’s meeting ended dramatically—a 18‑15 Commanders win sealed by a last‑second Hail Mary. That episode still haunts Bears fans, and many expect another close finish.
What the Experts Say
ESPN’s matchup predictor assigns Washington a 65.6 % win probability versus Chicago’s 34.1 %. Las Vegas Sports Betting’s analyst bluntly wrote, “Washington’s rushing dominance and defensive edge give them the upper hand against a Chicago team still finding consistency.” CBS Sports highlighted Tierney’s proven track record, noting that his picks have been right 62 % of the time over his last 50 picks.
In a nutshell, the consensus leans heavily toward a Commanders win, but the Bears’ recent resilience introduces a wildcard that could surprise bettors and fans alike.
Looking Ahead: Implications of the Outcome
If Washington covers the spread, they’ll solidify their position in the NFC East and gain a psychological edge heading into the divisional battle. A loss could expose vulnerabilities in their passing game and force a recalibration of their offensive game plan.
For Chicago, a victory would not only snap a two‑game losing streak but also catapult them into third place in the NFC North, keeping the playoff race wide open. Even a narrow loss could still be a moral boost if the Bears keep the game under the total, feeding into the betting market’s over/under narratives.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Date & Time: Monday, Oct 13, 2025, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
- Teams: Chicago Bears (2‑2) vs. Washington Commanders (3‑2)
- Spread: Commanders –5.5
- Over/Under: 49.5 (Bovada 50.0)
- Injuries: Washington – McLaurin (QD), Brown (GK), Samuel (HQ); Chicago – healthy
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game affect the Bears' playoff chances?
A win would lift Chicago to third place in the NFC North, tightening the race for the wild‑card spot. Even a loss could keep them within striking distance if they stay under the total and win later games.
What impact could the injuries to McLaurin and Brown have?
Both are key targets in Washington’s passing attack. Their absence forces the Commanders to rely more on the run, which could make the game slower‑paced and favor Chicago’s defensive front if they can stuff the rush.
Why do most analysts favor Washington?
The Commanders boast a superior rushing average (158 yards per game) and a defense that allows just 19.2 points on average. Combined with a home‑field advantage, these factors tilt the odds in Washington’s favor.
What does the over/under of 49.5 suggest about the game's pace?
A sub‑50 total hints at a defensive battle or effective run‑oriented offenses. If Washington leans heavily on the ground and Chicago controls the clock, the game could stay under the line.
When can fans expect the final score prediction from Mike Tierney?
Tierney typically releases his full pick an hour before kickoff. Expect his final call on the official SportsLine site around 7:15 p.m. ET on Monday.
