When Caleb Williams, quarterback of the Chicago Bears led his squad to a 25-24 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, the stadium was buzzing with tension.
The showdown unfolded on October 13, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. With just seconds left on the clock, rookie kicker Jake Moody smashed a 38‑yard field goal, sealing a one-point win that sent Bears fans into a frenzy.
Game Overview
Both teams entered Week 6 with identical records, but the Bears held a slight edge at 3-2 overall and 2-1 on the road. The Commanders, sitting at 3-3, hoped to defend their home turf. The first half was a defensive chess match: Chicago managed six points in the opening quarter, while Washington stayed silent. The Bear’s offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, adding a touchdown and a field goal to lead 13-7 at halftime.
The third quarter flipped the script. Washington struck back with a 10‑point surge, capitalizing on a turnover that gave them a 17-13 advantage. In the final quarter, the Bears clawed back with a field goal and a late touchdown, but the extra point missed, leaving the score at 24-24. That set the stage for Moody’s heroics.
Key Performances
Williams completed 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. His poise in the pocket, especially on a quick slant to DJ Moore, kept the Commanders' secondary honest.
Running back J. Croskey‑Merritt was the workhorse, grinding 14 carries for 108 yards and a rushing touchdown. His burst through the line on a second‑and‑goal play in the fourth quarter kept the drive alive.
On defense, linebacker B. Wagner led the tackle chart with 13 total stops, including four solo. His sideline leadership helped the Bears force three turnovers, a stark contrast to Washington’s three giveaways.
For the Commanders, quarterback J. Daniels threw for 211 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Wide receiver Samuel was targeted heavily, but an ill‑timed pass was intercepted by defensive back Brisker, who returned it 33 yards.
Statistical Deep Dive
- Total yards: Bears 381, Commanders 329.
- Turnovers: Bears 0, Commanders 3 (2 fumbles, 1 interception).
- Third‑down conversions: Bears 3/10, Commanders 3/8.
- Red‑zone efficiency: Bears 1/3, Commanders 1/1.
- Time of possession: Bears 28:26, Commanders 31:34.
- Penalties: Bears 9 for 84 yards, Commanders 5 for 40 yards.
The disparity in turnovers proved decisive. While Washington moved the ball efficiently, each giveaway halted momentum and put the Bears in favorable field position.
Coaching Decisions & Strategies
Head coach Matt Eberflus stuck with an aggressive two‑minute drill, trusting Williams to manage the clock. The decision to keep the ball on the sideline for a field‑goal attempt, rather than trying to convert a fourth‑down, paid off when the defense held Washington’s final drive.
Washington’s coach Ron Rivera faced criticism for a late‑game defensive alignment that left a seam for the Bears’ quick slant. Commentators noted that the defensive backfield, featuring corner Trey Amos and safety Shemar Turner, struggled to contain Williams’ deep throws.
Season Implications
This win nudged Chicago back into NFC contention, improving their road record to 2-1. The narrow margin highlights a pattern: the Bears have now won two consecutive games by a single point, both with final‑second scores (the earlier 25‑24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4).
For Washington, the loss drops them to .500 and intensifies pressure on the offense to protect the ball. Their next test comes on October 19 at 4:25 PM EDT against the New York Giants, a game that could swing their playoff hopes.
Historical Context
One‑point games are a rarity in NFL history, comprising roughly 2% of all matchups since 2000. The Bears’ back‑to‑back one‑point victories echo the 1993 Dallas Cowboys, who won three straight games by a single point en route to a Super Bowl run.
Moody’s clutch field goal places him among a select group of rookie kickers who have sealed Monday Night Football wins with less than 40‑yard attempts – a list that includes Justin Tucker in 2011.
Broadcast & Officiating
The game aired on ABC, with a crew led by referee Alex Moore. The officiating crew, which also featured Umpire Terry Killens Jr. and Down Judge Dana McKenzie, faced a few contentious calls on penalties, but none that altered the final outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears' playoff chances?
Improving to 3-2 overall and 2-1 on the road, Chicago jumps into the NFC's middle tier. A win against a conference opponent keeps them within striking distance of the top four, but they’ll need to avoid another close‑call loss to stay on the postseason track.
What were the key factors behind Washington's three turnovers?
Washington’s offensive line faltered on pass protection twice, resulting in a sack that forced a fumble. Additionally, a misread route on a deep throw to Samuel led to Brisker’s interception, and a hurried handoff caused a second fumble in the fourth quarter.
Who has the edge in the Bears‑Commanders rivalry historically?
The series is relatively even, with the Bears holding a slight edge of 31‑30 overall. However, recent matchups have favored Washington, making this narrow victory a noteworthy shift in momentum.
What does the defensive performance indicate for both teams going forward?
Chicago’s defense proved opportunistic, generating three takeaways despite allowing 329 yards. Washington, meanwhile, must tighten ball security and improve coverage on Williams, who continues to exploit single‑coverage mismatches.
When is the next game for the Commanders and what’s at stake?
The Commanders host the New York Giants on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 4:25 PM EDT. A win would bring them back to .500 and keep alive a slim chance at an NFC East playoff berth.