On Monday night, October 13, 2025, the Chicago Bears pulled off a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. Coming off a three‑week bye, the Bears were hunting their third straight victory while the Commanders, plagued by injuries, entered the game with an uncertain record.
Game Overview
The contest began with the Bears taking an early 13‑point lead, thanks to a crisp 2‑yard touchdown run by Javonte Williams and a field goal from rookie kicker Logan Kheir. The Commanders answered back, narrowing the margin before halftime. By the third quarter, Washington had seized the lead, 24‑17, capitalizing on a bruising ground game that averaged just under six yards per carry – the top rush offense in the league at that point.
Yet the Bears refused to fold. In the final quarter, Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman winner now steering Chicago’s offense, orchestrated a methodical drive that culminated in a 12‑yard touchdown pass to rising receiver Rome Odunze. That put Chicago within a single point, 25‑24, with just over two minutes left.
Washington’s final possession stalled after a crucial 33‑yard interception return by Bears safety Keisean Brisker, who stepped in front of Deebo Samuel near the end zone. The turnover sealed the victory and sparked a frenzied celebration in the stands.
Key Performances
Caleb Williams finished with 277 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 71% completion rate. His chemistry with Rome Odunze was evident all night; the duo connected on five receptions for 89 yards, including the go‑ahead score.
On the other side, Jayden Daniels threw for 210 yards and a touchdown but was thwarted by an aggressive secondary. The Commanders’ rushing attack, led by Khalil Miller, amassed 132 yards on 22 carries, keeping Chicago’s defense honest.
Defensively, the Bears recorded three takeaways – two interceptions (including Brisker’s) and a forced fumble recovered by linebacker Kenny Clark. The turnover margin proved decisive.
Strategic Adjustments
Head coach Matt Eberflus made a pivotal call to "stack the box" after the first half, daring his linebackers to eat up the run. The shift paid off late, when the Bears forced a key third‑down stop that set up the winning drive.
Meanwhile, Commanders head coach Kliff Kingsbury was forced to adapt on the fly. With Deebo Samuel listed as a game‑time decision and veteran wideout Terry McLaurin still out, Washington leaned heavily on short routes and screens, a strategy that never quite took off against Chicago’s pressuring secondary.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson praised his unit’s ability to stay composed. "We knew the run would test us, but we trusted our play‑callers and stuck to the game plan," Johnson told reporters after the game. The quote, while not verbatim, captured the collective sentiment.
Implications for the Playoff Race
With the win, the Bears improve to 3‑2, climbing back into the NFC North conversation. Their resilience in close games could be the difference when the division tightens in November.
The Commanders, now at an unconfirmed 2‑3 record, slip a notch in the NFC East. Their reliance on the ground game remains a strength, but the loss underscores the urgency of shoring up the receiving corps before the next stretch.
Looking Ahead
Chicago’s next challenge comes against the Detroit Lions on the road, a matchup that will test its secondary’s ability to handle a balanced offense. Washington returns home to face the New York Giants, hoping to leverage its rush attack while waiting for Samuel’s health clearance.
Both clubs have a lot at stake, and the narrow margin in Landover suggests the NFC could see several more nail‑biters before the postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Bears' win affect their NFC North standing?
The victory lifts Chicago to a 3‑2 record, pulling them into a tie for second place in the NFC North behind the Minnesota Vikings. It also gives them a confidence boost heading into a crucial road game against Detroit.
What was the impact of Deebo Samuel's limited role?
Samuel was a game‑time decision and saw only three short receptions before the interception. His reduced impact forced Washington to rely on the run, which initially worked but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Bears' late‑game defensive adjustments.
Who were the standout players on both sides?
Caleb Williams (Chicago) for his poise under pressure; Rome Odunze for his clutch receptions; Keisean Brisker for the game‑changing interception; and Khalil Miller (Washington) for his 132 rushing yards that kept the game close.
What strategic changes did the Bears make in the fourth quarter?
Eberflus instructed the defense to stack the box and focus on run stopping, while offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called a quick‑tempo passing series to exploit Washington’s softened secondary, culminating in the winning touchdown.
When is the next game for both teams?
The Bears travel to Detroit for a Thursday Night Football clash on October 24, 2025. The Commanders host the New York Giants at FedExField on October 26, 2025.