When Chicago Bears clinched a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday, October 13, 2025, the NFL’s biggest fans collectively held their breath.
The showdown unfolded at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, under damp, spring‑time conditions that turned the field into a slick testing ground for both offenses. Monday Night Football aired the drama live at 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, and the final seconds delivered a storybook ending.
Game Overview
Chicago entered the contest with a 2‑2 ledger, riding a two‑game winning streak after a bye week. Washington, sitting at 3‑2, hoped to solidify its hold on second place in the NFC East after a convincing 27‑10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Bears’ first‑quarter kicker, Jake Moody, made an early statement, nailing a 47‑yard field goal at 10:41 after a methodical 9‑play, 41‑yard drive. He added another 48‑yard effort at 2:27, giving Chicago a quick 6‑0 edge.
Midway through the second quarter, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams punched in a 1‑yard rushing touchdown, pushing the Bears ahead 13‑7 after his extra point. The Commanders answered with a touchdown drive of their own, but the lead changes were just the prelude.
Key Plays and Scoring Summary
- Q1 – Moody 47‑yard FG (10:41)
- Q1 – Moody 48‑yard FG (2:27)
- Q2 – Caleb Williams 1‑yard rushing TD + extra point (14:18)
- Q2 – Washington’s early response: a 7‑yard pass to tight end (time not disclosed)
- Q3 – Bears safety Jordan Brisker intercepted a Daniels pass, returning 33 yards to the Washington 35‑yard line.
- Q4 – Final drive: after a botched snap from Commanders QB Jayden Daniels with three seconds left, Moody converted a 38‑yard field goal as time expired.
The decisive moment came when Daniels fumbled the snap on a potential game‑tying field‑goal attempt. The ball, described by broadcasters as “wet” and “a bit high,” slipped from his hands, allowing Chicago to line up for the final play. Moody’s poise—his fourth field goal of the night—sealed the victory.
Rookie Quarterback Duel
Both teams featured first‑year signal‑callers, and the duel was the headline before kickoff. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 draft, showed flashes of the dual‑threat ability that made him a buzz‑worthy prospect. He finished the night completing 18 of 24 passes for 215 yards, while also adding 42 rushing yards and the lone touchdown.
Daniels, the 2024 No. 2 pick, was solid but not spectacular. He threw for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception—the very one that set up Brisker’s return. The slip on the final snap, however, left a sour taste; analysts noted that a dry ball could have changed the outcome.
Coaching and Strategic Notes
Washington’s front office had flirted with Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson during the 2025 offseason before ultimately hiring Dan Quinn as head coach. Quinn’s aggressive play‑calling—especially on third‑down situations—kept the Bears guessing, but his defense struggled to contain the run, a weakness highlighted in pre‑game analysis.
Chicago’s defense, meanwhile, leaned on opportunistic play. The Brisker interception was the only turnover of the game, but it provided the momentum needed for the Bears to stay within striking distance. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow praised the unit’s “clean‑up” after the turnover.
Implications for the Season
The win propels the Bears to a 3‑2 record, tying them for fourth in the NFC North and giving them a 2‑1 road record. For a team that endured a 10‑game losing streak in the previous season, each Monday night triumph feels like a small victory against the franchise’s recent history.
For Washington, the loss drops them to 3‑3, putting the NFC East race back into a tight scramble. The Commanders still control their destiny, but the sloppy snap may have cost them a crucial home win that could have boosted their confidence heading into the next stretch.
Looking Ahead
Next week, the Bears travel to face the Detroit Lions on the road, a matchup that will test the durability of their defense after a physically demanding Monday night. The Lions, sitting at 2‑3, will look to capitalize on any lingering injuries.
Meanwhile, the Commanders head to Philadelphia to clash with the Eagles in a game that could swing the NFC East title race. Coach Quinn emphasized “learning from mistakes” following the snap mishap, and Daniels reportedly practiced snap drills late into the night.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Chicago Bears 25, Washington Commanders 24
- Winning Play: Jake Moody 38‑yard field goal as time expired
- Attendance: ~68,000 (estimated)
- Betting: Bears +200, Commanders -240; over/under 48.5
- Notable Performers: Jake Moody (4 FGs), Caleb Williams (215 pass yards, 1 TD, 42 rush yards)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the win affect the Bears’ playoff chances?
At 3‑2, Chicago stays within striking distance of the NFC North lead. A win keeps them in the wild‑card conversation, especially with a strong road record that could prove decisive in a tightly contested division.
What was the cause of the botched snap on the final play?
Broadcasters noted the ball was damp from the wet grass at Northwest Stadium, making the snap “a bit high” and harder to control. The combination of moisture and a rushed snap contributed to Daniels’ mishandling.
Did the weather impact the game’s scoring?
Yes. The slick field slowed down the running game for both sides, which is why most points came from short drives and field goals. The conditions also played a role in the final snap error that decided the game.
Who led the Commanders in total yards?
Quarterback Jayden Daniels topped Washington’s passing chart with 190 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Tyler Hunt contributed 78 rushing yards, making him the team’s leading rusher.
What are the Bears’ next challenges on the road?
Chicago heads to Detroit to meet the Lions, a team that’s been improving its pass rush. The Bears will need to protect Williams better and keep the defense disciplined against the Lions’ balanced attack.
