When Chicago Bears squared off against the Washington Commanders at FedExField in Landover, Maryland on October 13, 2025, the night turned into a nerve‑wracking sprint. The Bears edged the Commanders 25‑24 in a Monday Night Football thriller that hinged on a late‑game fumble, a clutch recovery by Nahshon Wright, and a decisive field goal from Jake Moody. By the final whistle, Chicago nudged its record to 3‑2 while Washington slipped to 3‑3, setting up very different storylines for Week 7.
Game‑flow snapshot
The first quarter was a defensive stalemate; the Bears managed a solitary safety‑type score, putting six points on the board, while the Commanders were kept scoreless. The second quarter saw both offenses ignite—Washington’s quarterback Jayden Daniels connected on a 12‑yard touchdown pass, and Chicago’s rookie quarterback Caleb Williams tossed three touchdowns, two of them to wideout Rome Odunze. The half closed with the Bears up 13‑7.
Third‑quarter adjustments were evident. The Commanders rattled off ten points, capitalising on a 45‑yard pass to C. Moore. The Bears replied with a 33‑yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 17‑17. Both squads exchanged a safety‑level of intensity, but the fourth quarter delivered the drama.
Key plays that defined the outcome
Turnover swing at the 33‑yard line
With 3:10 left, the Commanders led 24‑23 after a failed two‑point conversion. Facing third‑and‑one, Daniels attempted a handoff to running back J. Croskey‑Merritt. The ball slipped free, and Nahshon Wright recovered it at Washington’s 33‑yard line following an instant replay review. The broadcast murmured, “The ball is on the ground, and it’s recovered by Wright… with replay assist.” That recovery set the stage for the game‑winner.
D’Andre Swift’s go‑ahead surge
Just two plays later, D’Andre Swift burst through a gap, gaining 22 yards and thrusting the Bears inside the red zone. The commentator noted, “Big play, and now down inside the 20. What a night for D’Andre Swift.” Swift’s run forced the Commanders to defend deep, buying the Bears crucial field‑goal distance.
Moody’s nail‑biting field goal
On a high snap but a clean hold, Jake Moody slotted a 40‑yard attempt as time expired. The announcer’s voice rose, “A bit of a high snap, but a good hold… and the Chicago Bears pull off an improbable victory.” The extra point sealed a 25‑24 win, instantly cementing Moody as the night’s hero.
Statistical breakdown and standout performers
The Bears amassed 381 total yards (211 passing, 170 rushing) with zero turnovers, while the Commanders managed 329 yards but coughed up three fumbles. Williams completed 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception—an efficiency surge from his Week 4 outing. Meanwhile, Daniels threw for 252 yards and a solitary touchdown, his completion rate slipping to 58% after early pressure.
- Rushing: Swift logged 108 yards on 14 carries (7.7 avg), the only 100‑yard rusher.
- Receiving: D.J. Moore (Bears) hauled 67 yards on two catches, including a 35‑yard TD; C. Moore (Commanders) had 46 yards on three receptions.
- Defense: Roquan Smith (Bears) tallied 13 tackles; J. Turner (Commanders) recorded nine.
- Penalties: Chicago was flagged nine times for 84 yards versus Washington’s five for 40.
On third down, both teams converted three attempts, but Washington was perfect on fourth‑down (1‑1) while Chicago failed its lone try. Possession was surprisingly close—31:34 for Washington and 28:26 for Chicago.
Coaching decisions under the microscope
Head coach Matt Eberflus (Bears) earned plaudits for trusting his rookie QB in high‑pressure moments. The decision to stay aggressive on third‑and‑one, feeding Swift the ball, paid off. Conversely, Commanders’ coach Ron Rivera (Washington) faced criticism for the handoff on third‑and‑one that led to the fumble. Some analysts argue a quarterback sneak or a safe run could have preserved the lead.
Special teams coach Brian Schneider (Bears) also deserves a shout‑out. The unit practiced high‑snap scenarios all week, and the execution under duress was evident when Moody’s kick found the uprights despite the imperfect snap.
What the win means for both franchises
Chicago’s victory bolsters its credibility as a playoff contender. At 3‑2, the Bears sit second in the NFC North behind the Packers, but they’ve shown resilience on the road—two away wins in three trips. The win also elevates Caleb Williams’ stock; his three‑TD performance suggests he’s closing the gap between rookie growing pains and elite play.
Washington, now 3‑3, must regroup quickly. The loss marks the third straight defeat, a worrisome trend for a team that started the season 2‑0. If the fumble proves indicative of ball‑security issues, Rivera may need to revisit his offensive scheme and protect his quarterback more rigorously.
Looking ahead
The Bears head to Week 7 to face the Detroit Lions at home, a matchup that could provide a decisive divisional edge. Meanwhile, the Commanders travel to New York to clash with the Giants, where a win would halt their slide and keep their wild‑card hopes alive.
Key facts
- Date & venue: October 13, 2025, FedExField, Landover, MD
- Final score: Bears 25, Commanders 24
- Winning play: Nahshon Wright fumble recovery → Jake Moody 40‑yard FG
- Turnovers: Bears 0, Commanders 3
- Top passer: Caleb Williams, 211 yds, 3 TDs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears' playoff chances?
At 3‑2, Chicago jumps into the NFC North's second spot, keeping them within a game of the Packers. The road win demonstrates the team can thrive in hostile environments, a trait that often separates playoff teams from the rest.
What went wrong for the Commanders on the final drive?
The critical error was the fumble on third‑and‑one when Jayden Daniels tried a handoff to J. Croskey‑Merritt. Poor ball security and a decision to run a handoff instead of a safe quarterback sneak handed the Bears the ball in field‑goal range.
Who were the standout defensive players?
Bears linebacker Roquan Smith led with 13 tackles, while defensive back Brisker snagged a crucial interception late in the third quarter that set up a Bears field‑goal.
What are the key takeaways for the Commanders moving forward?
Washington must tighten ball security—three turnovers proved costly. Additionally, adjusting play‑calling on short‑yardage situations could prevent future fumbles. Coach Ron Rivera is expected to emphasize a more conservative approach until the offense finds rhythm.
Who officiated the game and were there any controversial calls?
The crew was led by referee Alex Moore. The only notable controversy was the replay review confirming Wright’s fumble recovery, which stood without further dispute.
