It wasn't hard to determine what the biggest headline was heading into the Washington Commanders' game against the Chicago Bears in Week 8. All the hype centered on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' status - something that will go a long way to determining the overall outcome.
Daniels injured his rib on his opening drive against the Carolina Panthers. The Commanders have taken things with extreme precaution throughout the week, giving the signal-caller just one limited day of practice and a walk-through on Saturday to see how he responds.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that all signs pointed to Daniels taking the field, although Washington will see how he handles the pre-game routine before making their decision final. This is a big positive, but watching how the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft performs over the opening exchanges will be crucial from a comfort perspective.
The Bears won't be doing Daniels or the Commanders any favors. They're coming off the bye week and will see this as a fantastic opportunity to enhance their postseason aspirations in the highly competitive NFC North. Caleb Williams is hitting his stride after some early complications, so he'll be eager to put one over on his boyhood team and help Chicago triumph.
It's a big stumbling block for Dan Quinn's men. If they can win after a difficult week, it'll prove they're the real deal rather than a flash in the pan.
Bears vs. Commanders game details
- Date: Sunday, October 27
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
Bears vs. Commanders odds for Week 8
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 1.5-point favorites against the Bears in Week 8. This flipped the other way earlier in the week, so the line shift suggests this is thanks in no small part to Daniels' potential involvement in the clash.
- Washington -1.5 points: -106 (bet $106 to win $100)
- Chicago +1.5 points: -114 (bet $114 to win $100)
Anyone looking to wager the Commanders' money line can get odds of -120 currently (bet $120 to win $100). Chicago comes into the contest as a narrow underdog at +102 (bet $100 to win $102).
FanDuel Sportsbook is anticipating a relatively high-scoring affair at Northwest Stadium this weekend. This is reflected in the over/under of 45.5 points for the clash.
- Over 45.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Under 45.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders over/under marks for receiving yards in Week 8
- Terry McLaurin - 54.5
- Zach Ertz - 28.5
- Noah Brown - 31.5
- Austin Ekeler - 19.5
Commanders over/under marks for rushing yards in Week 8
- Brian Robinson Jr. - 55.5
- Austin Ekeler - 22.5