Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders is a matchup that carries extra meaning because of the quarterbacks involved. Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels went first and second in the 2024 NFL Draft, and every time these two teams meet, fans get to watch that draft class rivalry play out in real time. Their most recent meeting delivered a wild finish that came down to the final play of the game.
This article breaks down that meeting in detail, the top individual performances from both rosters, and the head to head history between these two franchises. Every stat below comes from official box scores and team reports.
Quick Team Snapshot
| Team | Game Result | Passing Leader | Rushing Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | Won 25-24 | Caleb Williams, 252 yards | D’Andre Swift, key scrimmage yards |
| Washington Commanders | Lost 25-24 | Jayden Daniels, 211 yards | Jayden Daniels, 52 yards |
The Bears escaped Northwest Stadium with a dramatic win, scoring the go ahead points as time expired after a nine play drive set up by a Washington turnover.
Chicago Bears Key Player Stats
Caleb Williams: A Signature Comeback Win
Quarterback Caleb Williams delivered one of the most memorable performances of his young career in this matchup, completing 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards and two total touchdowns. His most important throw came in the fourth quarter, a 55 yard touchdown pass to running back D’Andre Swift that pulled Chicago back within two points and set up the eventual game winning field goal drive.
Williams has continued to develop throughout his second NFL season. Across the full year, he threw for 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns, setting a Bears franchise single season passing record while being sacked far less often than in his rookie year. That growth was on full display against Washington, as he led Chicago on a clutch fourth quarter drive with the game on the line.
D’Andre Swift and Jake Moody
Running back D’Andre Swift was the biggest offensive weapon for Chicago in this game, producing 175 scrimmage yards, including the game changing 55 yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver gave the Bears offense the flexibility it needed to come back from a two score deficit late in the game.
Kicker Jake Moody delivered the walk off moment, connecting on a 38 yard field goal as time expired to secure the 25-24 win. That kick capped a nine play drive that Chicago put together after Washington’s third turnover of the game, and it came after Moody had an earlier 48 yard attempt blocked to open the fourth quarter, making the final kick even more satisfying for Bears fans.
Washington Commanders Key Player Stats
Jayden Daniels: Big Numbers in a Losing Effort
Quarterback Jayden Daniels put together a strong statistical day, completing 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns, posting a passer rating of 119.2. He spread the ball around effectively, throwing touchdown passes to three different targets, including Chris Moore, Luke McCaffrey, and Zach Ertz. Full details from the box score are available through CBS Sports’ game tracker.
Despite the strong performance, Daniels also threw his first interception of the 2025 season in this game, a second quarter pass picked off by Jaquan Brisker and returned 32 yards. That turnover, along with two other Washington giveaways, proved costly in a game the Commanders ultimately lost by a single point. Daniels also added 52 rushing yards, showing off the dual threat ability that made him the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Zach Ertz and a Depleted Receiving Corps
Tight end Zach Ertz stepped up as Washington’s most reliable target in this game, catching six passes on six targets for a perfect catch rate, including a touchdown. His performance was even more valuable given the circumstances, since the Commanders were missing two of their top three receivers from earlier in the season. Both Noah Brown, dealing with a knee and groin issue, and star wideout Terry McLaurin, sidelined with a quadriceps injury, were inactive for this game.
With those two players unavailable, receiver Chris Moore stepped into a bigger role and delivered, making an acrobatic touchdown catch that showed real chemistry with Daniels despite limited regular season reps together.
Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders: Key Player Stats at a Glance
| Player | Team | Comp/Att | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | Bears | 17/29 | 252 | 2 total |
| Jayden Daniels | Commanders | 19/26 | 211 | 3 passing |
| D’Andre Swift | Bears | N/A | 175 scrimmage | 1 |
| Zach Ertz | Commanders | 6 catches | N/A | 1 |
Note: Some figures reflect this single matchup rather than full season career totals, since the game itself produced such a complete statistical picture for both offenses.
The 2024 Draft Class Rivalry: A Deeper Look
Few draft classes in recent NFL history have been scrutinized as closely as the 2024 group that produced Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. Both quarterbacks arrived with Heisman Trophy pedigree, both were viewed as generational talents by scouts, and both were tasked with rebuilding franchises that had struggled to find stability at the position for years. That shared burden has made every meeting between Chicago and Washington feel like more than a typical divisional matchup, even though the two teams do not share a division.
Daniels burst onto the scene as a rookie, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors while leading Washington to its first NFC Championship Game appearance in more than three decades. That immediate success set a high bar, one that Williams took longer to reach in his first season in Chicago. By the time these two teams met in this particular matchup, though, Williams had clearly closed much of that early gap, benefiting from a full offseason working with new head coach Ben Johnson and a scheme built to highlight his arm strength and improvisational ability.
The comparisons between the two players will likely continue for the rest of their careers, and this game gave both fan bases plenty of new material to debate. Daniels showed off his efficiency and playmaking ability with a passer rating north of 119, while Williams demonstrated the poise to lead a game winning drive under pressure, arguably the more valuable skill in the eyes of many evaluators who prioritize clutch performance over raw statistical output.
Play by Play Breakdown of the Fourth Quarter
The final period of this game encapsulated everything that makes the rivalry between these two young quarterbacks compelling. Washington entered the fourth quarter holding a lead built on efficient drives from Daniels, who had already thrown two touchdown passes and looked comfortable operating the Commanders offense against a Chicago defense that had shown flashes of pressure but had not yet found a way to consistently disrupt Washington’s rhythm.
Chicago’s response began with a change in tempo. The Bears offensive staff shifted into more no huddle looks, forcing Washington’s defense to substitute quickly and limiting the Commanders’ ability to disguise coverages before the snap. That adjustment set up the signature moment of the game, when Williams identified a favorable matchup on a wheel route out of the backfield and delivered a strike to Swift that turned into a 55 yard touchdown. The play showed off Williams’ arm talent, since the throw traveled well down the field with touch and accuracy even as a Washington pass rusher closed in on him.
After that score pulled Chicago within two points, the Bears defense forced a Washington turnover that flipped field position and gave the offense a short field to work with. Chicago methodically moved the ball down the field on a nine play drive that ate significant clock, setting up Moody for the game winning kick. The sequence showed offensive discipline as much as explosive playmaking, since Chicago avoided the kind of hurried, mistake prone possessions that so often derail comeback attempts in the NFL.
How Both Offenses Built Their Identity in 2025
Chicago’s offensive identity under Ben Johnson took real shape over the course of the 2025 season, built around getting Williams comfortable with quick decision making early in games before opening up the playbook as the game progresses. That approach paid dividends against Washington, where Williams started the game with a string of shorter, high percentage completions before unleashing the deep shot to Swift once the Commanders defense had been lulled into expecting more conservative play calling.
Washington’s offense, under the direction of its coaching staff, has continued to lean on Daniels’ dual threat ability as the foundation of everything the team does schematically. Designed runs, play action off run fakes, and quick rollouts that put Daniels on the move all featured prominently in this game, and the approach worked well enough to generate 211 passing yards and three touchdowns on an efficient 19 of 26 passing effort. The issue for Washington was not the design of the offense but the execution in critical moments, particularly the turnovers that repeatedly interrupted otherwise promising drives.
Both teams have shown a clear commitment to building their offensive systems around what their respective quarterbacks do best, rather than forcing either player into a rigid, one size fits all scheme. That philosophy has helped both Williams and Daniels develop more quickly than many rookie quarterbacks typically do, and it explains why games between these two teams tend to feature so many big plays from the quarterback position.
Defensive Personnel and Scheme Notes
While the quarterbacks understandably drew most of the attention, both defenses played meaningful roles in shaping the final outcome. Chicago’s defense, which had struggled with consistency for portions of the season, came up with the turnovers that ultimately decided the game. Jaquan Brisker’s interception in the second quarter not only ended a promising Washington drive but also set the tone for a Chicago defensive effort that tightened up considerably as the game progressed.
Washington’s defense, which entered the game ranked in the middle of the league in points allowed but lower in total yards allowed, struggled at times to contain Chicago’s play action passing game. The unit ranked in the twenties in both passing and rushing defense entering this matchup, numbers that showed up in key moments, particularly on the touchdown throw to Swift, where a coverage bust allowed the Bears running back to get behind the defense for the decisive score.
Both coaching staffs will likely revisit this game closely during the offseason, using it as a teaching tool for young defensive units still learning how to close out close games against explosive, quarterback driven offenses. The margin between winning and losing in games like this one often comes down to a handful of defensive possessions, and both teams have clear areas to build on heading into future seasons.
What Analysts Are Saying
National media coverage of this game largely focused on the continued development of both quarterbacks, with several analysts pointing to Williams’ fourth quarter poise as evidence that his growth under Ben Johnson has been real and sustained rather than a product of a few strong individual performances. Daniels, meanwhile, continued to draw praise for his efficiency and playmaking ability, even in a losing effort, with many analysts noting that his turnover in this game was uncharacteristic given how careful he had been with the football for most of his young career up to that point.
Several statistical services that track quarterback performance metrics also highlighted the game as one of the more competitive, well played contests of the week across the entire league, a testament to just how much talent both rosters have accumulated around their franchise quarterbacks in a short period of time.
Team Comparison
This matchup showed two very different paths to nearly identical results. Washington moved the ball efficiently through the air for most of the game, with Daniels spreading throws to multiple targets and posting one of the best passer ratings of his season. The Commanders’ issue was not moving the ball, it was holding onto it, since three turnovers gave Chicago extra opportunities that the Bears eventually cashed in.
Chicago, meanwhile, leaned on a big play connection between Williams and Swift to erase a deficit in the fourth quarter. The Bears defense also created the turnovers that flipped field position throughout the game, setting up short fields that made Chicago’s comeback possible. In the end, discipline and opportunistic defense made the difference in an otherwise closely matched offensive battle.
Head to Head History
The rivalry between these two franchises has featured several close, competitive games in recent seasons. Entering this most recent matchup, the two teams had split their previous meetings, with each side capable of beating the other depending on the day. The involvement of Williams and Daniels, the top two picks from the 2024 draft, has added a fresh layer of intensity to this series that fans expect to continue for years to come.
Recent Matchup Recap
The October 2025 meeting between these two teams delivered exactly the kind of drama fans hoped for when these franchises scheduled a matchup featuring the top two picks from the 2024 draft. Washington built a lead behind Daniels’ efficient passing, but three turnovers opened the door for Chicago. The Bears capitalized with a fourth quarter surge capped by Swift’s 55 yard touchdown catch, pulling Chicago within two points before Moody’s walk off field goal completed the comeback.
That 25-24 final score reflected just how evenly matched these two rosters were on that given night, with both quarterbacks throwing for multiple touchdowns and both offenses moving the ball consistently for most of the game.
Coaching Adjustments and Key Moments
Both coaching staffs made notable in game adjustments that shaped how this contest unfolded. Chicago’s offensive staff leaned into quick, high percentage throws for Williams early, protecting him from a Washington pass rush that had generated pressure in previous weeks. That approach paid off in the fourth quarter, when Williams and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson dialed up the deep shot to Swift at exactly the right moment, catching the Commanders secondary in a favorable coverage look.
Washington’s staff, meanwhile, used a heavy dose of designed rollouts and quick game concepts to get Daniels into rhythm early, which explains his efficient completion percentage and multiple touchdown passes. The bigger issue for the Commanders was situational execution, since red zone mistakes and turnovers repeatedly interrupted otherwise promising drives. That gap between total yardage and points scored is often the difference between winning and losing close divisional style matchups like this one.
Historical Trends in Close Games
Games decided by a single score have become increasingly common across the NFL as offenses have grown more explosive and defenses have adapted with more aggressive, high risk coverage schemes designed to force turnovers. This matchup fit squarely into that trend, and both franchises have shown a pattern of playing in close, competitive contests throughout the careers of their current starting quarterbacks. Washington in particular built its playoff run the previous season on a string of tightly contested games, relying on Daniels’ ability to make winning plays in the fourth quarter. Chicago’s win over Washington flipped that script, showing that the Bears’ young core has developed similar late game composure under a new coaching staff.
That kind of experience in close games matters more than it might initially seem. Teams and quarterbacks who consistently find themselves in one score situations late in games tend to develop instincts and communication patterns that become second nature over time. Both Williams and Daniels are still building that experience, but games like this one, regardless of the final outcome, serve as valuable data points for coaching staffs evaluating how their quarterbacks respond under maximum pressure.
Broader Playoff Implications
Beyond the immediate storylines involving the two star quarterbacks, this game carried real weight for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Every regular season win and loss matters in a league where postseason seeding often comes down to head to head tiebreakers and strength of victory calculations. For Chicago, a road win against a quality opponent like Washington provided a meaningful boost to the team’s overall resume, the kind of victory that can matter significantly when playoff seeding is calculated in January.
For Washington, the loss represented a missed opportunity, particularly given how well Daniels played statistically. Games like this one, where a team outgains its opponent through the air but loses due to turnovers, often become case studies for coaching staffs looking to identify correctable mistakes. The Commanders’ coaching staff surely emphasized ball security in practice sessions following this game, understanding that similar turnovers in games against tougher playoff caliber opponents later in the season could prove even more costly.
The Role of Special Teams
While quarterback play and turnovers dominated the storylines from this game, special teams also played a quietly important role in the final outcome. Jake Moody’s game winning field goal came after an earlier blocked attempt, a sequence that tested the rookie kicker’s mental toughness in a way that few other situations can. Bouncing back from a blocked kick to convert the game winner moments later speaks to a level of composure that teams value highly in their specialists, particularly in a league where field position and points off special teams plays can swing outcomes dramatically.
Washington’s special teams unit, by contrast, had to manage the aftermath of giving up a blocked kick opportunity for Chicago while also dealing with the field position consequences of the Commanders’ own turnovers throughout the game. Those hidden yardage battles, often overlooked by casual fans focused on the quarterback matchup, frequently end up deciding close games like this one.
Long Term Outlook for Both Franchises
Looking further ahead, both Chicago and Washington appear to be building toward sustained competitiveness behind their young quarterbacks. Chicago’s front office has continued to add pieces around Williams, both on the offensive line and at the skill positions, giving him more weapons and better protection than he had during his rookie season. That investment showed up in this game, with Swift emerging as a legitimate dual threat option who can win in multiple ways.
Washington, meanwhile, has built a roster capable of scoring in bunches, even on nights when the defense struggles to get consistent stops. The Commanders’ front office will likely continue adding complementary pieces around Daniels, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, in hopes of avoiding the kind of shootout losses that can derail an otherwise promising season. Both franchises enter the coming years with clear identities built around their star quarterbacks, and games like this one between Williams and Daniels figure to remain appointment viewing for NFL fans for the foreseeable future.
What This Game Means for Both Franchises
Beyond the final score, this matchup offered a useful checkpoint for both franchises as they continue building around their young quarterbacks. For Chicago, the ability to overcome a deficit on the road against a talented opponent is exactly the kind of experience that helps a young signal caller grow into a more complete player. For Washington, the game served as a reminder that explosive offensive performances still need to be paired with detail oriented, mistake free execution to consistently beat good teams.
Fantasy and Betting Angle
For fans who follow fantasy football or betting markets, this game offered plenty of takeaways. Williams and Swift both delivered strong outputs relative to their draft position, particularly with the fourth quarter touchdown connection that decided the outcome. Daniels also cleared his passing yardage expectations comfortably, a reminder that quarterback performance and final score do not always move in the same direction, especially in games decided by turnovers rather than total yardage. Season long fantasy managers who rostered either quarterback walked away with a productive week, even though only one team came away with the win, underscoring how individual statistical production and team success can diverge in games like this one.
What to Watch Next
For the Bears, the development of Williams continues to be the biggest storyline. His performance against Washington, particularly the poise he showed on the game winning drive, suggests he is beginning to grow into the franchise quarterback Chicago hoped for when it drafted him first overall. Keep an eye on how his connection with Swift and the rest of the receiving corps continues to develop as the season progresses.
For the Commanders, ball security will be the key focus going forward. Daniels showed he can put up big passing numbers even without two of his top receivers, but the turnovers in this game proved costly. If Washington can clean up those mistakes, the Commanders’ offense has shown it can move the ball against quality opponents.
Conclusion
Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders lived up to the hype surrounding its two young star quarterbacks. Caleb Williams led a dramatic fourth quarter comeback capped by a walk off field goal, while Jayden Daniels posted strong passing numbers that were ultimately undone by costly turnovers. Both quarterbacks showed exactly why they were selected first and second in the 2024 NFL Draft, and this game offered another chapter in what looks like a rivalry worth following for years to come.
With Williams continuing to grow into his role in Chicago and Daniels remaining one of the league’s most dynamic dual threat quarterbacks in Washington, future meetings between these two teams should continue to deliver the same kind of high level, closely contested football fans saw in this one.
With Williams and Daniels both still early in their careers, this matchup figures to remain a marquee event on the NFL schedule for years to come, giving fans of both teams plenty of reasons to circle it on the calendar every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most recent Bears vs Commanders game?
The Chicago Bears won 25-24 on a walk off 38 yard field goal from Jake Moody as time expired, capping a comeback from a two score deficit.
How did Caleb Williams perform against Washington?
Williams completed 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards and two total touchdowns, including the key 55 yard touchdown pass to D’Andre Swift that sparked Chicago’s comeback.
How did Jayden Daniels perform against Chicago?
Daniels completed 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 119.2 passer rating, but he also threw his first interception of the 2025 season in the loss.
Why were the Commanders missing key receivers in this game?
Washington was without both Noah Brown, who was dealing with a knee and groin injury, and Terry McLaurin, who was sidelined with a quadriceps injury, forcing other receivers to step into bigger roles.
What made the difference in the final score?
Washington’s three turnovers proved costly, giving Chicago extra scoring opportunities that the Bears eventually converted into the game winning points late in the fourth quarter.
