WASHINGTON (1-4) AT CHICAGO (2-3)
TV: Amazon Prime, 8:15 p.m.
Line: Chicago by 1; O/U: 37 1/2
If you stayed awake for last Thursday night’s 12-9 overtime snoozefest in Denver, you might have thought: Can it get any worse than this? Probably not, but this week’s Commanders-Bears matchup isn’t all that eye-opening either, so if you need to catch up on sleep, this is your chance.
Both teams won in Week 1 but have combined for seven losses over the last four weeks (Washington is 0-4 ATS in that span, Chicago 2-2 ATS). Neither offense lights up the scoreboard, with Washington (18.0), ranked 26th, averaging a tad more than Chicago (17.2), which is 27th. Both quarterbacks have struggled. Carson Wentz has thrown six interceptions, including one at the goal line last week that sealed a 21-17 loss to Tennessee. He’s also been sacked 20 times. Wentz has been limited in practice with a shoulder injury, but he’s expected to play.
On the other side, Justin Fields had his best game in a 29-22 loss at Minnesota on Sunday as the Bears took the lead after trailing 21-3. He was 15-for-21 passing for 208 yards and a TD. The Bears barely throw the ball, with Fields attempting just 88 passes through the first five weeks.
This is the epitome of a stay-away game: two struggling teams facing off on a short week. When in doubt, take the home team on TNF. Maybe the only reason to watch will be to check out the Bears’ new look. Chicago will debut its new orange helmets, the first time it has worn a non-navy blue helmet. Oh, and to hear Al Michaels lament having to call this game.
The pick: Chicago
