It’s not the most enticing game on the Week 6 schedule, but desperate teams in need of a win should at least make the Thursday night matchup between the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears exciting. Both teams enter having lost multiple games in a row with the season slowly slipping from them and they fell in similar frustrating fashion on Sunday. Carson Wentz threw a late pick as the team formerly known as the Redskins lost to Tennessee, 21-17, its fourth straight. Driving for a potential score the Bears turned the ball over losing to Minnesota, 29-22, their second straight setback.
The Week 6 Thursday Night Football contest between the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago at 8:15 p.m. ET on October 13, 2022 and will be shown on Prime Video.
Washington vs Bears Odds
Washington Commanders +1
Chicago Bears -1
Over/Under 38
Odds Analysis
It’s not a surprise to see the spread so close on the opening line with the Bears pegged as a 1-point favorite. Teams that have struggled to score and win games should be close, at least on paper. That’s also why the total was set at 38, the lowest on the Week 6 board and the lowest in any game for either team this season. Washington has lost four straight since opening the season with a win and is 0-4 ATS in those games. The Bears stayed within the 10-point line last week but lost their second straight, 29-22. They are 2-2-1 ATS. This is the first meeting between the teams since the 2019 season.
Washington Commanders
A promising start to the season has turned sour after four consecutive losses. And we saw the offense dry up in the process with the Commanders averaging less than 12 points in the last three games while cashing the UNDER in every one. Turnovers have been a problem with Carson Wentz’s six interceptions the second most in the NFL. Washington has eight giveaways on the season and they’ve forced just one turnover giving them a minus-7 differential, which is better than only New Orleans. They also have at least one turnover in all five games.
It’s frustrating that the offense has regressed after scoring 28 points to beat Jacksonville and nearly rallying in a 36-27 loss to Detroit in Week 2. Wentz threw seven touchdown passes in those games and had another decent outing on Sunday with 359 yards and two scores. However, his lone interception came in the waning seconds with Washington on the Titans 2-yard line. It hasn’t all been the fault of Wentz. The line is banged up with three of their original starters out of action on Sunday and Nick Martin the third center used. The group has allowed 20 sacks, the second-highest total in the league.
Chicago Bears
The Bears showed some spark last week coming back from a 21-3 deficit to briefly take the lead in the fourth quarter. It was a false feeling, though, since by all statistical measures they were outplayed and deserved a loss. So I guess it was only fitting that a turnover with around a minute to play in the fourth quarter thwarted a potential game-tying or winning drive. Chicago was outgained by over 150 yards and converted just 4 of 10 third down chances in the 29-22 loss. There were a few positives, though. For a team averaging less than 100 yards through the air entering the contest, Justin Fields had his best game going 15 of 21 for 208 yards and a TD.
This game was a defensive nightmare, however. The Bears allowed Kirk Cousins to complete his first 17 throws and the second-worst run defense in the NFL let Dalvin Cook average 5.2 yards per carry while giving up a total of 117 yards and three scores on the ground. With a chance to pull off a huge road win, the group crumbled after taking a 22-21 lead. Minnesota drove 80 yards for the eventual game-winner with less than three minutes remaining. In all the group conceded 419 yards and ranks 22nd in total defense.
Commanders vs Bears Predictions
The bottom line is one team is going to win, at least that what the percentages say. I guess we could see a tie, which would be fitting for teams that have underachieved, especially on offense. As such we see one of the lowest totals of the season on the board. Both teams certainly have weapons and the defense hasn’t been the best, so backing the OVER on such a small number is a smart play. The Bears have gone over the total in two of their last three games and they’re unbeaten at home giving me the confidence to back them in this matchup.
Prediction: Chicago Bears -1 / OVER 38
