The Commanders are a bad matchup for the Bears, and these three factors will help them win anticipated remtach

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 12:52 PM ET

Everyone has been waiting for the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears to go at it in a rematch that ended with pure chaos last season.

The Hail Mary finish was the best play in the entire NFL last year, and it changed everything for both teams' seasons. The Commanders went on a historic playoff run, while the Bears struggled the rest of the season and made big changes in the offseason.

This is a different game, with two different teams, but the Commanders are a bad matchup for this Bears team, and three factors will help them win.

The Commanders will run the ball at will

The Bears' defense allows the second-most rushing yards per game at 164, which is perfect for the Commanders, who lead the league with 156 rushing yards per game. They are getting T.J. Edwards and Kyler Gordon back on defense, which is a major boost, but it might not be enough.

Bill Croskey-Merritt had his breakout game last week with 150 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, and now he's getting his easiest test yet. The Bears also allow 2.10 yards before contact per rush, which is the worst in the league, and where Croskey-Merritt thrives. Expect a big night from the rookie.

on 28 snaps, Bill Croskey-Merritt produced gains of:

28, 27, 15, 15, 12, 11 and 10 yards ✅

His movement, cuts and base are so aesthetically pleasing. He slithers through lanes

finished with 150 yards and two TDs pic.twitter.com/KKeaZ7CKgE
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) October 6, 2025

The Bears have no pass rush

Giving Jayden Daniels time in the pocket is the last thing you want to do, but he should have plenty of chances to find his targets downfield, even without Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown. The Bears have the fewest sacks in the league with only five, and have the lowest pressure rate as well.

The passing game started clicking last week in Daniels' return, and it should keep the momentum going into this primetime game with a lack of a pass rush from the Bears. Daniels has a 66% completion percentage with 439 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions this season when he has a clean pocket, so the offensive line is key in this game.

Oh look at me I'm Jayden Daniels I can chill in the pocket and not have room to really fully step up but whatever I'll just throw a dime 55 yards downfield with the flick of the wrist. Whatever man. pic.twitter.com/N8UIlHiOif
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 9, 2025

The Commanders have home-field advantage

As every team should, the Commanders play better at home. They finally got their first road win last week, but now they're back home to protect their house and use that crowd noise advantage. The Bears struggle with presnap penalties, and they are the most penalized offensive team in the league. Head coach Ben Johnson says it changes how he calls the game.

The Commanders haven't lost at home since the November 24th game against the Dallas Cowboys last season, and currently have a five-game home win streak since then. The lights will be out, and that crowd will be jumping. The fans can give the Commanders a big advantage.

From @SportsCenter: A look at Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels ahead of Bears-Commanders on MNF from me and my pal @john_keim. pic.twitter.com/jRnpi90xDW
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) October 8, 2025

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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