This week’s “Thursday Night Football” is a matchup between two teams looking to recover from a slump.
The Chicago Bears are one of only two winless teams left in the NFL, having lost a franchise-worst 14 straight games after blowing a 21-point lead against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have been underperforming in their last two games and will be looking to get back to above .500 for four of their next five games.
USA TODAY Sports will have updates throughout the night, so check back often for the latest information on the game.
What time is Bears vs. Commanders kickoff?
Bears vs. Commanders will kick off on October 5th at 8:15pm ET.
NFL Stats Central: Latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
How can I watch or stream Bears vs. Commanders?
Commander’s bears Streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and broadcast in local markets only.
Dick Butkus to be honored before TNF
The first NFL games played were: The passing of the legendary Dick Butkus includes Butkus’ nine-year NFL career with the Bears.
Before kickoff, as Bears and Commanders players lined up on the sideline, the public address announcer asked for a moment of silence in memory of Butkus. — Chris Bumbaka
![Before the start of the game between the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears fans hold a moment of silence in memory of late Bears fearsome linebacker Dick Butkus.](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/10/06/USAT/71078204007-ap-bears-commanders-football.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Magic Johnson signs Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Lakers jersey
Ryan Fitzpatrick had a “fanboy moment” on the pregame show when Magic Johnson joined the program’s C Block.
“Well, Magic, my heart is pounding right now,” said Fitzpatrick, sitting in the center of the “TNF” desk, directly to Johnson’s right.
“Fitzmagic,” whose childhood hero was Magic Johnson, unbuttoned his patented zany shirt to reveal his yellow Lakers jersey, No. 32.
“Fanboy, I love you,” Johnson said. he signed the jersey Mark “2” with a black sharpie.
Johnson also signed photos of Fitzpatrick’s seven children.
“I’ve loved you ever since I was little,” Fitzpatrick said. — Chris Bumbaka
Inactive players for Bears vs. Commanders game
The Washington Commanders declared RB Chris Rodriguez, DE KJ Henry, T Trent Scott, G Chris Paul, TE Curtis Hodges, and WR Mitchell Tinsley inactive for Thursday night’s game.
Bears Chase Claypool is a healthy scratch. Chicago also has RB Donta Foreman, OT Aviante Collins, CB Jaylon Johnson, CB Duron Harmon and S Eddie Jackson inactive. — tyler dragon
Bears vs. Commanders predictions
Lorenzo Reyes: Commanders 25, Bears 17
Chicago’s season is on the verge of collapse. The coaching staff is at risk of losing the locker room, the players are publicly expressing their frustrations and feelings of being exploited, and Washington is a brave team. The Bears haven’t covered the spread yet, so he won’t back them until he’s given a reason to think otherwise.
Tyler Dragon: Commanders 23, Bears 18
At 0-4, the Bears may be the worst team in the NFL right now. On the other hand, the coaches have played well except for a tough loss to Buffalo in Week 3. Washington’s defense could cause trouble for the Bears, and the club’s offense has been playing better than expected thanks to coach Eric Bieniemy.
Victoria Hernandez: Commanders 30, Bears 23
The Bears’ woes continue after blowing a 21-point lead at home last week. After the game, it was clear that the team was not fully motivated and were content with the “good moments”. Meanwhile, the managers have shown they are hungry to compete with the big teams and should take home victory plenty comfortably.
Jordan Mendoza: Commanders 30, Bears 20
After last week’s implosion, it’s hard to find optimism for Chicago as they enter the Caleb Williams sweepstakes. Washington played well against the reigning NFC champions, and the offensive line looks promising. It is expected that the managers will pull away from this game in the final stages of the game.
Bears vs. Commanders odds
Coaches appear in the game BetMGM’s NFL odds list him as a 6-point favorite to win.
Week 5 of the NFL schedule looks a little brighter as four teams aiming for the postseason are suspended due to the advent of byes. But Sunday night’s hard-fought battle should help make up for those teams’ absences.
Here are the teams USA TODAY Sports’ NFL experts think will win this week.
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