When Jake Moody, the kicker for the Chicago Bears blasted a 38‑yard field goal as the clock struck zero, the Bears edged the Washington Commanders 25‑24 on Monday night. The drama unfolded at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, during Monday Night Football, turning a one‑point deficit into a win that kept Chicago’s playoff hopes alive.
Game Overview
The Bears entered the contest fresh off a Week 5 bye, sitting 1‑2 after an opening‑week slide. Washington, meanwhile, was 3‑1 and looking to cement its home‑field advantage. The first quarter was a defensive slog; Chicago managed a 6‑0 lead on two field goals by Moody. By halftime the scoreboard read 13‑7 Bears, thanks to a 12‑yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to D'Andre Swift.
Third‑quarter action flipped the script: the Commanders struck twice, pulling ahead 17‑16. With just under three minutes left, Washington’s quarterback Jayden Daniels tossed three touchdowns but also fumbled a handoff to running back Jacory Croskey‑Merritt at the Washington 30‑yard line, a turnover the Bears recovered.
The Bears capitalized, driving into field‑goal range. Moody calmly converted his fourth attempt, sealing a 25‑24 victory as the stadium fell silent.
Key Performances
- Jake Moody – 4‑0 on field‑goal attempts, including the game‑winner.
- Caleb Williams – 253 passing yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- D'Andre Swift – 108 rushing yards, 67 receiving yards.
- Jayden Daniels – 3 TD passes, 2 turnovers.
- Defense – 3 total takeaways for Chicago, including the critical fumble recovery.
Williams’ dual‑threat ability showed up early; he scrabbled for a 5‑yard sneak on third down, keeping a drive alive that ended with Moody’s first field goal. Swift’s versatility was on full display, catching a short pass on third‑and‑10 and then bursting for a 31‑yard run that set up a second‑quarter score.
Coaching Decisions and Turnovers
Head coach Ben Johnson (also serving as offensive coordinator) took several bold calls. On fourth‑and‑3 late in the fourth quarter, he elected to keep the ball in the hands of Williams, who scrambled for a first down, extending the drive that culminated in Moody’s winner.
Washington’s head coach Dan Quinn was visibly frustrated by the officiating crew, which many analysts described as “awful.” Two questionable calls – a missed holding penalty on the Bears’ offensive line and a barely‑visible pass interference on a deep throw – sparked heated benches.
The pivotal fumble came on a play designed to seal the game for the Commanders. Daniels handed the ball to Croskey‑Merritt, who slipped on a slick patch of turf. The Bears’ linebacker John Mackey dove on the loose ball, setting up the decisive field‑goal attempt.
Implications for the Season
Chicago’s win bumps the Bears to 2‑2, a respectable .500 mark after a bruising start. More importantly, it puts them back in the NFC North conversation, trailing the 3‑1 Packers by a single game. The victory also marks the team’s third straight win by a 25‑24 margin – an odd statistical quirk that has fans joking about the “Lucky 25‑24” mantra.
For Washington, the loss drops the Commanders to 3‑2 and erodes the home‑field advantage they built early in the season. The turnover‑laden performance raises questions about ball security, especially with the upcoming matchup against the New York Giants, a team known for capitalizing on opponent mistakes.
Analyst Nick Shook of NFL.com wrote, “The Bears have corrected many of the early‑season issues and now look like a cohesive unit. Their ability to win close games will be a key factor as they head into the second half of the schedule.”
Looking Ahead
The Bears’ next challenge is a Sunday showdown with the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field in Chicago, scheduled for 1:00 PM Central Time on October 19, 2025. With a 61,500‑seat crowd expected, the home‑field advantage could prove decisive.
Both franchises will also be navigating the pressure of their front offices. Chicago’s CEO Kevin Warren and President/GM Ryan Poles have been vocal about building a “resilient culture” after the early setbacks. Meanwhile, Washington’s GM Adam Peters faces scrutiny over the offensive line’s protection schemes that left Daniels vulnerable.
Key Facts
- Date: October 13, 2025 (Monday Night Football)
- Venue: FedExField, Landover, MD
- Final Score: Chicago Bears 25, Washington Commanders 24
- Winning Play: 38‑yard field goal by Jake Moody with 0:00 remaining
- Notable Turnovers: 2 by Jayden Daniels, 1 by Washington (fumble recovered by Chicago)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears' playoff outlook?
The victory lifts Chicago to a 2‑2 record, keeping them within striking distance of the NFC North lead. Winning close games like this improves their tiebreaker profile and boosts confidence heading into the second half of the season.
What were the key factors behind Washington's loss?
Two turnovers by quarterback Jayden Daniels proved costly, especially the late‑fourth‑quarter fumble. Defensive lapses and questionable officiating also hampered the Commanders, allowing Chicago to stay within striking distance.
Who stood out for the Bears on offense?
Kicker Jake Moody was flawless, converting all four attempts. Quarterback Caleb Williams managed the game efficiently, while D'Andre Swift posted a combined 175 yards from scrimmage, the most productive day of his career so far.
What does the upcoming game against the Saints mean for Chicago?
Facing a strong New Orleans offense at home, the Bears will test their defense and special‑teams consistency. A win would cement their resurgence and could shift the NFC North balance further in their favor.
Will officiating controversies continue to impact games?
The Monday night matchup highlighted several disputed calls. While the league promises tighter oversight, teams and fans alike will likely remain vigilant, especially in close, high‑stakes contests.