NEWSLETTER
After a forgettable September, we were we’re more than ready to flip the calendar to October. And for about three-quarters of that game against the Denver Broncos, a forgettable September felt like a distant memory for Chicago Bears fans. But then, the Broncos rallied from 21 down to steal a road win.
This feels like a pivotal game on the Bears schedule. Their coach seems to be on the hot seat, their team is dealing with football-adjacent drama with the Chase Claypool situation still unfolding, and there are a growing number of reasons why the Bears should be looking to the college ranks for their next quarterback. After all, Bears scouts just had a good look at him over the weekend.
But first thing’s first: A Thursday Night Football affair which marks one of two times the Bears are scheduled to be on the Amazon PRIME VIDEO primetime game of the week. And with no MLB postseason games on the docket, all eyes are on Bears-Commanders tonight. No pressure, guys. None whatsoever.
Game Info
Chicago Bears (0-4) vs Washington Commanders (2-2)
All-time head-to-head record: Bears trail 24-27
HOW TO WATCH (OR LISTEN)
Amazon PRIME VIDEO (Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung)
Programming note: WFLD FOX-TV will be showing the game locally in the Chicago market. So if you don’t have PRIME VIDEO and are in the Chicago market, you’ll be able to tune in on FOX-32.
ESPN 1000 AM (Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer)
Westwood One (Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker)
Kickoff Time: 7:15 p.m. CT
Site: FedEX Field; Landover, Md.
Referee: Scott Novak
Odds: Bears +6, O/U 44.5 (via BetMGM)
I’ve Got $5 On It
Inspired by the hit 90s song by Luniz, here’s Luis’ Week 2 play via Bet MGM
After an 0-3 start, I was pondering changing this segment from “I’ve Got $5 On It” to the “Mortimer Duke Memorial $1 Wager of the Week” as a nod to Trading Places (the 1983 movie is still one of my favorites). There is some NSFW language in that clip, so you might want headphones on if you click that YouTube link.
Instead, we hit our first parlay of the year and I’m riding high after seeing D.J. Moore and Khalil Herbert score touchdowns in last week’s game against the Broncos. This has led me to consider double-dipping this week (while putting a twist on it). A D.J. Moore and Roschon Johnson touchdown parlay comes with +1050 odds. In other words, a $5 investment would turn into winning $57 if it hits. Betting on a Johnson score feels like a long shot after he was out-snapped 56-16 last week. But the way I see it, that playing time split makes me think about the Bears using Roschon more today because he’ll be the fresher guy going into tonight — which feels low-key valuable after playing just four days ago.
2023 record: 1-3
Starting QBs and Projected Game Stats
Bears: Justin Fields: 19/30, 219 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 9 carries, 51 rush yards
Commanders: Sam Howell: 22/33, 250 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 3 carries, 15 rushing yards
Bears Projected Starters
Offense
Defense
Specialists
Commanders Projected Starters
Offense
Defense
Specialists
Three Bears
Justin Fields could lead off this segment every week. But in the interest of keeping it fresh, I like mixing it up. I’m usually hyper-focused on seeing how players respond from adversity. But in Fields’ case, he is top of mind this week because I’m curious to see how he responds to having a good statistical performance. Watching Fields complete 80 percent of his passes, throwing for more than 300 yards, and tossing four touchdown passes would’ve been more fun to discuss over the last few days had it not been tied to a losing effort.
Washington’s defense comes up with a fair amount of pressure, but it has also allowed opposing quarterbacks to run 18 times for 136 yards. Also worth noting is each of the last three quarterbacks to play against the Commanders has accounted for at least two touchdowns. Russell Wilson and Jalen Hurts both had 2+ TD passes in their games against Washington. Meanwhile, Josh Allen had a throwing TD and a rushing score. I think Fields could stuff the stat sheet tonight.
Tyrique Stevenson has the unenviable task of playing against Terry McLaurin, one of the most talented wideouts in the league. McLaurin’s last three years have been superb. The Ohio State product is averaging 84 catches, 1,166 yards, and 5 touchdowns since the start of the 2020 season. And if McLaurin’s last three games are any indication of where his numbers are going, a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving year is likely on the horizon. Stevenson and fellow rookie Terell Smith will have their hands full trying to cover No. 17
Gervon Dexter Sr. is in line to get more playing time. At least, that is what his head coach was saying on Wednesday. Plus, it’s Gervon’s birthday today And I hope he gets to celebrate it with a sack.
