By Sam Cook
Washington Commanders (1-4) @ Chicago Bears (2-3)
An all NFC Thursday Night Football presents the worst matchup we've seen on TNF since …. well last Thursday when the lowly Colts & Broncos saw out a 12-9 horror show of a game. This week's edition sees two losing teams who offer uninspiring offence and seem certain to finish at the root of their respective divisions.
The Bears are lackluster in offence but make up for it with a highly ranked passing defence allowing the 9th fewest air yards whilst only allowing 4 passing TDs, and scoring 5 interceptions of their own (both stats ranking top 10 in the league). They're let down by the fact they have the 2nd worse rush D, only allowing 1 yard fewer than the Seahawks (850 yards, 170 per game) and as such they sit with a losing record.
Scoring is a also problem for the Bears with Fields being the worst passer in terms of yards and completion percentage among 5 game starters (679 yards). Contrast to this is Wentz who ranks 5th (1390 yards) behind only the elite foursome of Allen, Mahomes, Herbert and Brady. However this is in part due to him attempting 210 (2nd most in league) passes. The cost of these 42 pass attempts per game is 6 interceptions (3rd highest).
I'm expecting both QBs to offer up picks. The fact Washington average 42 attempts a game means wideout Curtis Samuel is leading the team in targets and looks value at his line of over 5.5 catches, something he's surpassed in all but 1 of his matchups so far. As mentioned Chicago lack a strong passing game but look towards Khalil Herbert and the returning David Montgomery go put up strong rushing numbers. It wouldn't be surprising to see either of these backs catch a TD as Washington have allowed 11 passing TDs thus far and Fields enjoys both of these backs as a short game target. Prior to last week he'd rushed as many times as pass attempts (34) but an improved performance came against Minnesota and he could make another step against a weak Commanders side.
Tips
Both teams to score a field goal (8/15)
Wentz over 250 yards, 2 TDs & an INT (8/1)
Curtis Samuel over 4.5 receptions (5/6)
Montgomery & McClaurin both to score a (TD 13/2)
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