The Chicago Bears will attempt to win their first match of the season when they travel to FedEx Field to take on the Washington Commanders on Thursday evening (01:15 Friday morning UK time).

The Bears were beaten by the Denver Broncos last time out, while the Commanders lost in overtime to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Team News

Christian Holmes and Curtis Samuel were absent from practice earlier in the week for the Commanders, while Jahan Dotson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. had limited participation in the same session, so they could recover in time to feature here.

As for the visitors Chase Claypool, Eddie Jackson, and Jaylon Johnson did not participate in Monday’s practice for Chicago, so all three men are doubts for Thursday’s match.

Washington Commanders (-6.5) @ 10/11

I’m taking the Commanders to cover the spread here.

Chicago blew a 28-7 lead at home and lost to Denver in Week 4, and I struggle to see where they have any joy in this matchup. The Bears have allowed 25-plus points in 14 consecutive games, the longest such streak in NFL history.

Meanwhile, the Commanders took Philadelphia – the best team in the NFC – to overtime and, had chances to win the game in regulation.

While Sam Howell is not exactly a gunslinger at QB, he silenced some of his critics against the Eagles, finishing 29-of-41 for 290 yards, while also throwing a clutch touchdown that sent the game to overtime.

I also think Washington’s defense will be the difference in this game, as the Bears’ offensive line hasn’t done a brilliant job of protecting Justin Fields.

Over 44.5 points @ 20/23

The last time these two teams met, Washington picked up a 12-7 victory, however, I think there will be significantly more points this time around.

As mentioned above, Chicago are simply allowing too many points each game, and I have no reason to think that the outcome will be any different here.

Sam Howell comes into this match after a solid showing against Philly, and he’ll want to continue to stay sharp. Justin Fields has shown that he can hurt teams, if he’s given the opportunity, and he comes into this match having thrown four touchdowns in his first 300+ yard performance of his career against the Broncos.

If both QBs get hot, the points could easily rack up here, in my opinion.