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🏈 (Updated 6:45 pm ET) TNF: Bears at Commanders - Prediction, Odds and Start Time

🏈 (Updated 6:45 pm ET) TNF: Bears at Commanders - Prediction, Odds and Start Time

PLUS: Our Take on the Bears 14-Game Losing Streak

Kevin Draft
October 05, 2023

Game Day Insights
Read Time: 2 mins

NFL Week 5 Thursday Night Football

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season kicks off tonight as Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears face Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders.

It’s a big week for the Bears as they’re coming up on their one year anniversary - of last winning a game.

Approaching a year without a regular season victory and enduring a 14-game losing streak could take the pressure off, especially on the road, and result in an upset. Crazier things have happened.

It’s almost kickoff. Let’s get it!

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Bears (0-4) vs. Commanders (2-2)

WHERE: FedExField (Landover, Md.)
WHEN: 8:15 p.m. ET | Prime Video, NFL+
MONEYLINE: Bears: +215 | Commanders: -267
SPREAD: Commanders -6.0 | O/U: 44.5
Get Bears 2023 Fan Shop Gear | Get Commanders 2023 Fan Shop Gear

Our Take

Despite showcasing brief moments of promise, the Chicago Bears continually find themselves in despairing situations. Last week's game is a prime example: Justin Fields, QB, demonstrated brilliance, throwing four touchdowns and achieving a streak of 16 consecutive completed passes. This performance propelled the Bears to a 28-7 lead against Denver. However, Fields' later turnovers flipped the game's narrative, turning their strong lead into a heart-wrenching 31-28 loss.

As they face the Washington Commanders, there appears to be a glimmer of hope. The Commanders' defense has been far from formidable this season, conceding an average of 352 yards and 30 points per game. This could allow the Bears' offense to regain some lost momentum. But given the Bears' recent history (and 14-game losing streak), relying on them to maintain consistency for an entire game appears optimistic at best.

On the other side, Sam Howell, Washington's quarterback, has been on an upward trajectory, especially after his commendable performance in Philadelphia. Excluding a poor game against Buffalo, Howell has shown continuous improvement. He's poised to exploit a Bears' defense that is currently struggling, ranking 29th against passing plays and 31st in terms of points given up.