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The rematch between the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders has all the storylines coming into their Week 6 matchup, and quite the intriguing matchups as well.
The narrative is already known: The Bears loss to the Commanders last year on the final Hail Mary play of the game, with changes coming for both franchises, including a massive offseason overhaul to both Chicago’s roster and coaching staff.
With the Bears looking to extend their winning streak to three games, and get revenge from the 2024 loss, they’re going to have to take advantage of key matchups on both sides of the ball. Looking ahead to the Monday night spotlight game, here are the top matchups to watch for as the Bears visit the Commanders for the second straight year.
Rome Odunze vs. Washington CBs
In the early part of his second season, Rome Odunze has been the most consistent and productive wide receiver in the Bears passing attack. Although Washington has a low ranking in team passing defense, Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are two very good cornerbacks, and whoever has the matchup against Odunze is going to have his hands full. In four games this season, Odunze is the Bears leading receiver, with a team-high 20 receptions, 296 yards, and five touchdowns (second most in the NFL). If his hot streak continues, Odunze could torch the Washington secondary.
Bears defensive front vs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt
When Austin Ekeler went down with a season-ending torn Achilles injury, Washington needed someone to step up at the running back position and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt answered the call. Best known as “Bill,” the Commanders rookie has paced the Washington rushing attack, running for 283 yards and four touchdowns in the team’s first five games. With the status of Grady Jarrett looking doubtful for this matchup, it’s going to be up to the rest of the defensive line to contain Washington’s rushing attack. The Bears run defense has been their weakest spot this season, but if the Commanders are down their top wide receivers, it’ll bring even more focus to the Commanders run game.
Tyrique Stevenson vs. Jayden Daniels
No bigger matchup exists than the player who was mocked, criticized, and ridiculed for his play in the 2024 meeting between these two teams. Stevenson is currently riding the most impressive stretch run of his young career, with two forced turnovers in the past two games. With top corners Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon missing most of the regular season thus far, Stevenson has played superb and has completely changed the narrative of his status on this Bears defense. There’s no doubt that every play he’s involved in will be a talking point and it’ll be interesting to see how often Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels targets him in this game.
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