5 bold Washington Commanders predictions vs. the Bears in Week 8
By Dean Jones
There are a lot of moving parts for the Washington Commanders heading into their Week 8 home showdown with the Chicago Bears. They do not detract from what an important contest this is for both squads.
Jayden Daniels' status has taken up the majority of attention throughout the week. The quarterback's status is hanging by a thread thanks to a rib issue suffered on his opening series against the Carolina Panthers. First-year left tackle Brandon Coleman is navigating his way through the NFL's concussion protocol, so there's a good chance the Commanders could be without two of their top rookies at Northwest Stadium.
The Bears will fancy their chances at 4-2 coming off their bye week. They are also favored among sportsbooks, which is thanks in no small part to Daniels' status. Nothing's been determined one way or another as yet, but others must step up if the No. 2 pick isn't risked.
It promises to be a fascinating contest whether Daniels is under center or not. With this in mind, here are five bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 8 against Chicago.
Bold Commanders predictions vs. the Bears in Week 8
Commanders OL holds Montez Sweat to zero stats
It's gone relatively under the radar, but Sunday's game also sees the first return to Northwest Stadium for defensive end Montez Sweat since his high-profile departure. The pass-rusher was a model professional in difficult circumstances. That didn't stop the Washington Commanders from trading him to the Chicago Bears for a high-end second-round pick before the 2023 deadline.
Sweat was bitter about the move, although he got paid handsomely by the Bears. He's not spoken glowingly about the organization since his departure. That won't help the former first-round selection get a good reception upon returning to a place he once called home.
The Mississippi State product has been inconsistent this season, registering just 2.5 sacks and 11 tackles through six games. Sweat will have some added motivation to make his old employers pay for their lack of faith. Unfortunately for the edge presence, he's coming up versus a much-improved offensive line.
If the Commanders' protection can keep Sweat quiet, they should have enough to maintain an efficient offense regardless of who is under center.