Chicago Bears (0-4) vs. Washington Commanders (2-2)
The upcoming Week 5 NFL matchup between the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders sets the stage for a thrilling Thursday night contest. While the Bears are still hunting for their first victory of the season, standing at 0-4, the Commanders are evenly split with a 2-2 record. Set to play at FedEx Field, this game not only holds key importance for both teams in terms of building momentum but also serves as an intriguing betting opportunity for those following NFL top predictions.
Delving deeper into the Bears, their rushing attack is led by Khalil Herbert. With an average of 4.8 yards per attempt, Herbert has managed to chalk up 196 yards over four games, although he has yet to find the end zone. On the receiving front, DJ Moore has emerged as a significant threat, hauling in 19 catches for 301 yards and averaging an impressive 15.8 yards per reception. He’s also notched two touchdowns and serves as a key target for the Bears’ passing game.
On the other side of the field, the Commanders showcase Brian Robinson Jr. in their running game. Averaging 4.3 yards per carry, Robinson has collected 261 yards and has been a consistent end-zone visitor, with 3 touchdowns to his name. In the air, Terry McLaurin is the go-to guy for Washington. Catching 21 passes for 212 yards, McLaurin averages a solid 10.1 yards per catch and has one touchdown in this campaign.
Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders Game Info
| When: | Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET |
| Where: | FedEx Field |
| TV: | AMZN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Justin Fields QB vs. Sam Howell QB
Justin Fields, despite the Bears’ losing streak, has showcased potential in his performances. With a 64.2% completion rate, Fields has thrown for 861 yards across four games. His long throw stretches up to 33 yards, and he’s notched 7 touchdowns. However, Fields needs to curb his interceptions, having thrown 5, and the offensive line needs to better protect him, given he’s been sacked 17 times.
The Commanders’ quarterback, Sam Howell, boasts a slightly higher completion rate at 67.1%. Amassing 961 passing yards with an average of 240.3 yards per game, Howell has a slightly cautious approach with a longest pass of 37 yards and 4 touchdown passes. Like Fields, Howell too has thrown 5 interceptions and has faced significant pressure, taking 24 sacks.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Washington Commanders -255, Total Odds: 45
The odds favor the Washington Commanders at -255, reflecting their better standing and home advantage. With a total of 45 points predicted, the game is expected to be a medium-scoring affair. Given recent performances and trends, bettors might lean toward Washington, but the Bears could surprise, especially if Fields steps up.
Chicago Bears Betting Trends
The Bears’ betting trends do not paint an optimistic picture. With 0-6-1 Against The Spread (ATS) in their last 7 games, and 0-10 Straight Up (SU) in their last 10 games, they’ve been struggling. Their record against Washington isn’t promising either, standing at 1-6 ATS and 1-8 SU. Further, their away record is concerning, with 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Washington Commanders Betting Trends
Washington, while having a better overall record, has its own concerns. They are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games, and though their total has gone UNDER in 13 of the last 19 games, it has consistently gone OVER when facing Chicago. Their home game trend sees the total going UNDER in 7 consecutive matches.
Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders 10/5/23 Betting Picks
Considering both team trends and individual performances, the Washington Commanders seem poised to capitalize on their home advantage. While the Bears have shown flashes of potential, their overall track record this season, especially on the road, is concerning.
In terms of prop bets, focusing on individual performances like DJ Moore’s receiving yards or Brian Robinson Jr.’s rushing might provide valuable insights. Given the patterns, the game is likely to be high-scoring, making the OVER a favorable option for bettors. For those eyeing the best player prop bets, Justin Fields’ passing yards and any potential interceptions might be worth a watch.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington Commanders 27, Chicago Bears 20
