When Chicago Bears edged out the Washington Commanders 25‑24 on Monday Night, the whole city felt the surge of a victory snatched from the jaws of a spread‑favoring opponent.
It unfolded on Monday Night FootballLandover, Maryland, at the Commanders’ home stadium, with the nationally‑televised showdown kicking off at 8:15 p.m. EDT on October 13, 2025.
Game Overview
The Bears entered the contest at 2‑2, while the Commanders were 3‑2 and listed as 4.5‑point favorites by the sportsbooks. A rain‑slicked field and a roar from the visiting fan section set the stage for a back‑and‑forth battle that would see the lead change hands three times before a final, heart‑stopping field‑goal attempt sealed the win.
Scoring Summary by Quarter
- 1st Quarter: Chicago struck first, converting a 42‑yard drive into a touchdown but missed the extra point, leaving the score 6‑0.
- 2nd Quarter: Both sides exchanged scores; Washington answered with a 7‑point drive, while Chicago added a full touchdown, heading into the break up 13‑7.
- 3rd Quarter: The Commanders rallied, scoring a touchdown and a field goal to turn a 16‑13 deficit into a 17‑16 lead.
- 4th Quarter: A series of clutch plays—including a defensive sack and a 49‑yard field goal by Jake Moody—pushed Chicago ahead 23‑17. Washington answered with a touchdown, making it 23‑24. With just three seconds left, Moody nailed a 37‑yard field goal as time expired, giving Chicago a 25‑24 edge.
Key Performances and Turning Points
The spotlight was undeniably on Jake Moody. The 28‑year‑old kicker, who had struggled with consistency earlier in the season, nailed three field goals—including the game‑winner—from beyond 35 yards. "I just visualized the ball sailing between the posts," Moody told the post‑game press conference, his voice barely audible over the cheering crowd.
On the offensive side, Bears quarterback Justin Fields posted 287 passing yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing a crucial 15‑yard scramble that set up the final drive. For Washington, running back Khalil Herbert racked up 112 rushing yards and a go‑ahead touchdown in the third quarter.
Defensively, the Bears' secondary forced two interceptions, one of which—by safety Jordan Hicks—set up the field‑goal range that Moody later exploited.
Coaching Reactions and Fan Response
Head coach Matt Eberflus praised his squad’s composure: "We stuck to the game plan, trusted each other, and never gave up. That’s the kind of football we want to play all season." Across the bench, Commanders coach Ron Rivera admitted frustration but remained optimistic: "We left it all out there; a few missed tackles cost us. The week ahead is a chance to bounce back."
Fans in Landover were divided. Some Bears supporters in the visiting section erupted after the final kick, while local Commanders fans expressed disappointment, chanting “Next time!” as the stadium lights dimmed.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
The win pushed Chicago to 3‑2 overall and solidified a 2‑1 road record, keeping them squarely in the NFC North chase. League analysts note that beating a home‑favored team on the national stage could serve as a catalyst for the Bears’ playoff push.
For Washington, the loss dropped them to 3‑3, turning a promising 5‑2 start into a precarious .500 record. Their home performance, now 2‑1, raises questions about defensive adjustments heading into the next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Background: Recent Bears‑Commanders History
These two franchises met twice in the 2024 regular season, with each team claiming a win. Their 2025 series had been billed as a “must‑win” for both clubs, given the tight divisional standings. The close nature of the October 13 game continues a trend of nail‑biting finishes that have defined their rivalry in recent years.
Key Facts
- Final score: Chicago Bears 25, Washington Commanders 24
- Location: Landover, Maryland
- Date and time: October 13, 2025, 8:15 p.m. EDT
- Winning kicker: Jake Moody (37‑yard field goal)
- Betting line: Commanders favored by 4.5 points
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears' playoff chances?
The victory improves Chicago to 3‑2 and keeps them within one game of the NFC North lead. A win on the road against a home‑favored opponent also boosts their tiebreaker profile, making a late‑season push more realistic.
What were the pivotal moments that turned the game in Chicago's favor?
Key moments included Jordan Hicks’ second‑quarter interception, a clutch 15‑yard scramble by Justin Fields in the fourth, and Jake Moody’s 37‑yard field goal as time expired. Each swung momentum back to the Bears.
Why did the Commanders fail to cover the spread?
Washington’s defense gave up crucial third‑down conversions late in the fourth quarter, and missed a defensive sack on Fields that could have forced a punt. Those lapses kept Chicago within striking distance, ultimately costing the Commanders the spread.
Who were the standout performers for the Commanders?
Running back Khalil Herbert was a bright spot, logging 112 rushing yards and a go‑ahead touchdown. Quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns, but a late‑game sack hampered the drive that could have sealed the win.
When is the Bears' next game and who will they face?
Chicago’s next matchup is set for Sunday, October 20, 2025, when they travel to face the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions currently sit at 2‑3, so the game could be another pivotal step for the Bears.
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