Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Commanders vs. Bears)
Following what was one of the worst national television games in recent memory last Thursday night with the Colts and Broncos, the Commanders and Bears will look to improve on that narrative this week in Chicago. With a combined record of 3-7 and two offenses amongst the worst in the league, that could be a tall task.
Even still, bad football is better than no football, as we take a look at this NFC matchup between two teams in desperate need of a win. Let’s dive in.
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NFL Week 6 Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Commanders vs. Bears)
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Details
- Opening Line: Bears -1.5 | O/U 40
- Current Line: Bears -1 | O/U 37.5
- Last meeting: September 23, 2019 – Bears 31, Commanders 15
Overview
The Washington Commanders, who are winless in their previous four contests coming into Thursday night’s trip to Chicago, are well aware of the importance of their Week 6 matchup with the Bears.
Since defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars by a point in the season opener, Washington has lost by nine, 16, 15, and four points, respectively, as their offense has been amongst the worst in the league. The absence of former top pick Chase Young continues to be felt up front on defense.
In his first year with the team, Washington quarterback Carson Wentz has been more inconsistent than not, and coach Ron Rivera has lately criticized him for it. Despite Wentz’s 359 passing yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee a week prior, much of the positive energy was ruined by his interception at the 1-yard line with six seconds left in the game. 21-17 was the Commanders’ loss.
The youthful Bears club will provide the Commanders with their next challenge. The last time we saw them on the field was a loss to Minnesota on the road after blowing a late lead, but they may now be feeling encouraged by Justin Fields’ performance.
In addition to rushing for 47 yards on eight attempts, Fields was 15 of 21 for 208 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. He appeared to be in a position to direct a potential game-tying drive at Minnesota, but Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s late interception doomed the Bears’ chances. In a promising sign for offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, Fields said he never felt more at ease as a pro than he did on Sunday. Getsy looks for more of the same from Fields as Chicago (2-3) returns home for the first time since Week 3.
Bottom Line
Given that Chicago (17.2 ppg) and Washington (18 ppg) are tied for 27th and 26th in scoring, each defense may have a chance to win the game with a major play. The return of cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has been a full participant in practice this week due to a quad ailment, is anticipated to help the Bears, which I agree with.
In a game that should have little in the way of offensive firepower, I like for the Bears to outlast the Commanders with more talent on the offense.
Pick: Bears -1.5
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