Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season kicks off with an intriguing matchup between the Washington Commanders and the struggling Chicago Bears. The Commanders started the season strong, but have stumbled in their last two games against tough opponents. On the other hand, the Bears are still searching for their first win of the season after blowing a 21-point lead against the Broncos in their previous game.
Both teams are in desperate need of a victory to get back on track and improve their playoff chances. The game will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and can also be followed on the CBS Sports App. The Commanders enter the game as favorites with a point spread of -6.5.
When the Bears have the ball, all eyes will be on quarterback Justin Fields. The rookie showed signs of improvement in the last game but struggled in the second half. However, the Bears’ receivers may have an opportunity to find success against the vulnerable Commanders secondary.
Washington’s defense, especially their formidable front line, presents a challenge for Fields and the Bears’ offense. Fields has been sacked multiple times in every game this season, largely due to holding onto the ball for too long. On the other hand, the Bears’ rushing game had success in their previous game and could potentially exploit Washington’s weak run defense.
On the offensive side, the Commanders have struggled due to the inconsistent performances of quarterback Sam Howell. Howell has had difficulty finding a rhythm with his top receivers and has been sacked frequently. However, the Bears’ defense has allowed high completion rates and a high number of passing touchdowns, which could give Howell an opportunity to bounce back.
Although the Bears have been effective at limiting opponents’ yards per carry, Washington may choose to attack their pass defense instead. With injuries and defensive struggles on the Bears’ side, it seems likely that the Commanders will come out on top.
For more detailed analysis and predictions, sports enthusiasts can turn to Larry Hartstein’s pick on SportsLine, where he has a strong track record with Commanders games. The predicted score for this game is 23-17 in favor of the Commanders.
Overall, the Washington Commanders are looking to bounce back and solidify their playoff chances, while the winless Chicago Bears are desperate for a victory to turn their season around.
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