Chicago Bears Vs. Washington Commanders: Week 6 Prediction

The Chicago Bears don’t have much time to mourn their loss in Minnesota. It’s a quick turnaround to Thursday night against the Washington Commanders. As opponents go, this is probably one of the last “easy” ones they will face for some time. That means this is a game they need to win if they want to fulfill their goal of being competitive in the playoff picture. Head coach Matt Eberflus faces a tough test that everybody in his position has seen before.

How does he get his team ready on such short notice? Right now, he’s focused on keeping his guys healthy and rested. Not a bad idea after such a hard-fought game a few days ago. The hard part is making sure they don’t come out flat at Soldier Field against an opponent that will be playing with pure desperation. Here is a rundown of how things could go.

Chicago Bears face a pivotal test against Washington.

Backstory:

Both teams are coming off tough losses, and both teams know this game could decide their season. The Bears are 2-3, and the Commanders are 1-4. A loss for either would make any hopes of a playoff run almost impossible. As is often the case, this game will come down to the quarterbacks. After a great start to the year, Carson Wentz has struggled in recent weeks. He’s turning the ball over a lot, costing his team games. Justin Fields has played much better recently but still hasn’t shown enough consistency. Whoever delivers in this game will likely decide it.

Injuries:

Carson Wentz (shoulder) – Expectations are that Wentz will play Thursday night. However, he’s been limited in practice all week, and videos show him in some discomfort with his throwing shoulder. Something like that is noteworthy, considering he’s often had to chuck the ball 40 times per game. The Bears should have their chances to hit him during the game. One good shot to that shoulder could set the tone for the evening.

Jaylon Johnson (quad) – The Chicago Bears defense really missed Johnson on Sunday in Minnesota. His presence might’ve helped limit Justin Jefferson from going off and helped stop that final drive from resulting in a TD. Alas, the cornerback wasn’t ready. Now it appears he is. Johnson informed 670 The Score that he intends to play Thursday night. The timing couldn’t be better, with Washington being 3rd in the NFL in passing attempts.

Key matchups:

Kyler Gordon vs. Curtis Samuel – Terry McLaurin is the best receiver Washington has, but the guy Wentz has targeted the most this season is Samuel. He is their primary slot weapon, thanks to his quickness and speed. With Johnson back, Gordon will likely resume his role as the primary nickel cornerback. That means he and Samuel should see lots of each other. The rookie will have his hands full.

Braxton Jones vs. Montez Sweat – No player has been a bigger problem for opposing offenses on Washington’s side than Sweat. While he only has two sacks, leads the Commanders with 18 pressures and 10 QB hits. Tennessee had a miserable time trying to block him last Sunday. Jones has already faced a myriad of great pass rushers this year. Sweat is yet another physical specimen he must try to slow down.

X-factors:

Darnell Mooney – Washington has done a good job slowing down the running game over the past three weeks. However, they’ve continued to proven exceedingly vulnerable to deep shots through the air. Tennessee hit them for a 61-yard play. Philadelphia had multiple 40-yard shots. That is why Mooney is so dangerous. He’s had a play of 39 yards or more in each of the past two games. It looks like he is starting to find his mojo.

Antonio Gibson – The Chicago Bears defense hasn’t been able to stop the run all year. If you want to beat them, you have to run it. Unfortunately, Washington hasn’t been great at that. They’re 28th in rushing, with top back Gibson averaging 3.2 yards per carry. If ever there was a chance to get him going, this is it. If the Commanders fail, it will enable the Bears to tee off on Wentz. That isn’t what they want.

Prediction: Bears win 23-19

This screams of an ugly game between two teams desperate to halt a growing downward spiral. When it comes to making mistakes, the Commanders have been far worse. They have eight turnovers in the first five games. Chicago’s defense has forced eight turnovers in that same time span. When these two realities collide, the result isn’t hard to predict.