When Caleb Williams, quarterback for Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders met under the glowing lights of Monday Night Football at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, the outcome was a 25‑24 nail‑biter that will be talked about for weeks.
Game‑by‑Game Overview
The clash unfolded on October 13, 2025, and didn’t technically wrap until 1:14 a.m. UTC on the 14th, thanks to a rain‑soaked, crawl‑through finish. The Bears jumped out with a six‑point first quarter, while the Commanders stayed scoreless. Washington answered in the second, pulling even at 7‑7, but Chicago reclaimed the lead before halftime, finishing the half up 13‑7.
The third quarter tilted in Washington’s favor as the Commanders rattled off ten points to go ahead 17‑13. Yet the Bears answered back with a field goal, and the final quarter turned into a back‑and‑forth sprint that culminated in a three‑second drama.
Key Plays and Player Performances
Chief among the night’s protagonists was the Bears' rookie kicker Jake Moody, kicker for Chicago Bears. Activated just before kickoff, Moody was flawless: four successful attempts—including the 38‑yard winner—despite the slick turf.
Williams was efficient, completing 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His connection with wideout DJ Moore produced a 67‑yard TD, and a clutch drive late in the fourth set up the final field‑goal opportunity.
Washington’s signal‑caller Jayden Daniels, quarterback for Washington Commanders posted 252 passing yards and a single TD. However, a critical fumble on a wet snap with 1:43 left—“couldn’t secure the ball” as the broadcast put it—handed Chicago the ball and the chance to win.
The Bears’ ground game finally clicked: running back Roschon Johnson (not mentioned earlier) broke off a 108‑yard day on 14 carries, the first 100‑plus effort of the season, giving the team a balanced attack.
Defensively, Bears linebacker James Wagner, linebacker led all players with 13 tackles, while safety Derwin James intercepted Daniels in the final minute, thwarting a potential game‑tying drive.
Weather, Turnovers, and Coaching Decisions
The drizzle that started early turned the field into a slipping sheet of grass. Broadcasters kept reminding viewers that the ball was “wet, you know,” and that the footing was “slick.” Those conditions played directly into the Bears’ favor, as Washington’s three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) contrasted sharply with Chicago’s clean sheet.
Head coach Matt Eberflus (Chicago) stuck with an aggressive fourth‑down approach late, even after a missed attempt earlier in the game, trusting his offense to convert. Washington’s Ron Rivera, on the other hand, chose to punting on fourth‑and‑2 deep in his own territory—a decision that later proved costly once the Bears secured a quick first down and marched downfield.
What This Means for the Bears and Commanders
With the win, the Bears sit at 3‑2 overall and 2‑1 on the road, pulling into the early playoff race ahead of several division rivals. The victory also silences doubts about their late‑season clutch factor; a win on the road against a divisional foe, under rain‑like conditions, speaks volumes about resilience.
For Washington, the loss drops them to 3‑3. The Commanders had been hoping the home‑field advantage at FedExField would be a catalyst, but the three turnovers erased that edge. The defeat forces the team to re‑evaluate ball security and perhaps reconsider the reliance on a passing‑heavy game plan when the weather turns hostile.
Looking Ahead: Week 7 and Beyond
The Bears now travel to Denver to meet the Broncos, a game that promises altitude challenges and another test of their special teams. If Moody can keep his legs warm, Chicago’s chances of stringing together another close win rise dramatically.
Meanwhile, the Commanders head to Detroit, where a stout Lions defense will await. Analysts say Washington must tighten its protection schemes and perhaps give more snaps to its running backs, who have been underutilized in rain‑affected games this season.
One thing is certain: both squads have shown they can swing a game on a single play. Fans will be watching closely as the 2025 season approaches its midway point, hoping the drama continues but with fewer turnovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Chicago Bears' playoff outlook?
The victory lifts Chicago to 3‑2, moving them into the top half of the NFC North and keeping them within striking distance of the division lead. A win on the road also improves their tiebreaker profile, which could be decisive if several teams finish with similar records.
What went wrong for the Washington Commanders in the closing minutes?
A late‑game fumble on a wet snap handed the ball to Chicago with under two minutes left. Coupled with earlier turnovers and a missed fourth‑down conversion, the mistakes erased the Commanders' earlier lead and left them unable to answer Moody's final field goal.
Who were the standout performers for each team?
For Chicago, kicker Jake Moody was the hero, converting all four attempts in the rain, while quarterback Caleb Williams threw three touchdowns. Washington's top play came from quarterback Jayden Daniels, who posted 252 passing yards, though his late‑game fumble cost the team.
What weather factors influenced the game?
Steady rain turned the field into slick grass, making ball handling difficult. The wet conditions contributed to three turnovers by Washington and made the snap for the final field goal a bit high, yet Jake Moody still managed a clean 38‑yard kick.
When and where is the next game for each team?
The Bears travel to Denver to face the Broncos on October 20, 2025, at Mile High Stadium. The Commanders head to Detroit on the same weekend to take on the Lions at Ford Field.
