On Monday Night Football, the Chicago Bears edged the Washington Commanders 25‑24 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, on Oct 13, 2025.
Quarterback Caleb Williams, Bears’ starter threw for 252 yards and a touchdown, while kicker Jake Moody, stepping in for the injured Cairo Santos, was perfect on four of five attempts, including the decisive walk‑off field goal. The 38‑yard kick sealed the win as the clock hit zero.
Opposing quarterback Jayden Daniels finished 19‑of‑26 for 211 yards and three scores, but his fumble with just over two minutes left handed the Bears the final possession.
Veteran head coaches Matt Eberflus (Bears) and Dan Quinn (Commanders) exchanged comments in the post‑game press conference, each weighing the implications of the narrow result.
Game Overview and Key Plays
The contest started slowly for Washington, which was blanked in the first quarter while the Bears managed two field goals – one from 47 yards and another from 48 – to take a 6‑0 lead. The second quarter turned the tide when D’Andre Swift burst for a 55‑yard touchdown reception from Williams, giving Chicago a 13‑7 advantage at halftime.
Washington answered in the third with a 10‑point surge: a 4th‑quarter‑style drive capped by a 3‑yard rushing touchdown from Brian Robinson Jr., followed by a 27‑yard field goal. That left the Commanders up 20‑13 with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Here’s the thing: Chicago responded with a methodical 66‑yard drive, converting a crucial third‑down conversion at the Bears’ 22‑yard line after Daniels’ fumble was recovered by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The drive featured a 25‑yard scramble by Swift and a short pass to rookie wideout Rome Odunze, ending with Moody’s 38‑yard field goal that put the Bears ahead for good.
Statistical Breakdown
- Total yards: Bears 381, Commanders 329
- First downs: Bears 19, Commanders 22
- Third‑down conversion: Bears 3‑of‑10, Commanders 3‑of‑8
- Penalties: Bears 9 for 84 yards, Commanders 5 for 40 yards
- Time of possession: Bears 28:26, Commanders 31:34
Red‑zone efficiency proved decisive. Chicago entered the red zone three times and left with only one touchdown (the Swift reception). Washington, by contrast, turned both of its red‑zone trips into scores.
Injuries and Player Impact
Midway through the third quarter, wide receiver DJ Moore suffered an undisclosed injury while attempting a contested catch. He was carted off to a local hospital in Landover and kept overnight for observation. The Bears lost a key route‑runner, but the depth of the receiver corps – with contributions from Rome Odunze and Terry McLaurin – kept the passing attack alive.
On the Commanders side, defensive end Montez Sweat was limited to a single sack after a late‑quarter knee tweak. Washington’s offensive line also appeared winded after a grueling 65‑play game, which may have contributed to Daniels’ fumble on a third‑and‑1 at the Bears’ 22‑yard line.
Coaches’ Reactions and Future Outlook
After the win, Matt Eberflus praised his team’s resilience: “We stayed composed, trusted the process, and the kids delivered when it mattered.” He also flagged the need to shore up the offensive line ahead of a Thursday night matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Dan Quinn was more guarded, noting that “a single mistake cost us – Jayden’s fumble – but we still showed we can move the ball against a tough Bears defense.” Quinn said the Commanders will focus on ball security and protecting Daniels as they head into a divisional showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Implications for the NFC East Race
The victory lifts Chicago to 3‑2 overall and 2‑1 on the road, keeping them within striking distance of the division lead. Washington slides to 3‑3, now trailing the Eagles by a game and facing a crucial stretch of back‑to‑back road trips.
Analysts are already pointing to the Bears’ improved third‑down play and a more disciplined special‑teams unit as key factors that could swing the NFC East in their favor. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ reliance on big‑play passing may need balancing with a stronger ground game to stay competitive.
Historical Context: Bears vs. Commanders
Fans will remember a dramatic Hail Mary in the 2023 season that handed Washington a late win in Chicago. This Monday night showdown felt like poetic revenge – not just a point swing, but a statement that the Bears can close out games under pressure.
Since the two franchises merged into the NFC East in the 2002 realignment, the series has been tightly contested, with 12 games decided by seven points or fewer over the past five seasons. The latest result adds another chapter to a rivalry that thrives on close finishes and turnover‑driven drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears’ playoff chances?
The victory moves Chicago to 3‑2, keeping them in the NFC East hunt and within a half‑game of the division lead. A strong finish to the season could earn them a wild‑card spot if they keep winning on the road.
What was the most significant mistake by the Commanders?
Jayden Daniels’ fumble on a third‑and‑1 with 2:02 left handed Chicago the ball at the 22‑yard line, directly setting up the game‑winning field goal. It was the decisive turnover of the night.
Will DJ Moore be out for the next game?
Moore remains under observation after being hospitalized overnight. The team has not released a timeline, but he is listed as doubtful for the upcoming Thursday night matchup.
How did Jake Moody perform under pressure?
Moody was flawless on four of five attempts, hitting kicks from 35, 47, 48 and the 38‑yard walk‑off. His composure earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week nod.
What does this game mean for the NFC East rivalry?
The win narrows the gap between the Bears and Commanders, turning the division into a two‑team race alongside the Eagles. Future meetings could be decisive for playoff seeding.
