Week 6 Keys to the Game

By: Sam Myer 10/10/25

The Washington Commanders host the Chicago Bears in their first home primetime game of the season. The first installment of Caleb Williams vs. Jayden Daniels was an instant classic after the Hail Mary to end the game and the second matchup is expected to produce similar fireworks. Both offenses have had great starts to the 2025 season, and the defenses have each had significant struggles. It’s shaping up to offensive showdown as both teams look build on their momentum from their previous games.

Washington Commanders Keys to the Game

-            Dominate the run game on both sides of the ball

o   Washington has the best running game in the NFL, and their defensive line has been solid on the other side of the ball. Chicago struggles to stop the run and has been inefficient running with D’Andre Swift.

-            Keep Caleb Williams in the pocket

o   Williams has been exceptional throughout his first two seasons off-schedule and outside of the pocket with a completion percentage over 70%. However, inside the pocket, his completion percentage drops below 60%.

-            Limit explosive plays in passing game

o   Chicago has thrived throwing the deep ball to start the season, especially against Dallas. Washington is near the worst in the league at allowing plays over 20+ yards.

Chicago Bears Keys to the Game

-            Manufacture ways for Caleb Williams to use his legs

o   Washington has struggled when quarterbacks get out of the pocket allowing big plays in the run game. This is something Williams has excelled at through their first four games this season.

-            Stretch the field in the passing game

o   Caleb Williams excels at pushing the ball down the field on deep passes and, luckily for them, the Commanders pass defenses gives up 20+ yard plays at a concerning rate.

-            Defensive line wins in the trenches

o   Chicago’s defensive line has had a lackluster start to the season, but if they’re able to win consistently on Monday it will lead the path to victory.

Key Matchup to Watch

-            Rome Odunze vs Marshon Lattimore

o   Lattimore has had an up and down start to the season with two great games and two games where he really struggled. His performance against this prolific Bears receiving core will be vital to a Commanders victory. On the other side, Rome Odunze has been one of the hottest wide receivers in the NFL through the first month of the season. He has five touchdowns through four games and will look to extend his hot streak on Monday night.

Key Players

-            Washington Commanders

o   Bill Croskey-Merritt – Bill finally had his breakout game against Chargers and gets to follow it up against one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL.

o   Javon Kinlaw – Kinlaw has dominated on the interior and especially in the run game. Chicago has one of the worst rushing attacks in the league and Kinlaw has a prime opportunity to take advantage.

o   Quan Martin – Forced a huge fumble last week but will need to follow it up with a great performance is pass coverage for Washington to win.

-            Chicago Bears

o   DJ Moore – Washington has struggled covering dynamic receivers so far this season and Moore has a history of lighting up Landover with touchdowns.

o   Tremaine Edmunds – The leader in tackles on the Bears will need to have a big performance to try to slow down the #1 rushing offense in the NFL.

o   Montez Sweat – A big time revenge game for Montez Sweat and he’ll need to make Jayden Daniels uncomfortable if Chicago wants to slow him down.

Matchup Prediction

Score Prediction – Washington Commanders 34 – Chicago Bears 31

Both offenses have been the bright spots for Washington and Chicago through the first month and should continue to shine on Monday night. The Bears will likely break a few big plays in the passing game, but Washington’s dominance on the ground will be the difference. Jayden Daniels and Bill Croskey-Merritt are lined up to have huge performances against a struggling Chicago run defense. At the end of the day, the Commanders will also need to force at least one turnover to take the victory home.