Washington Commanders vs. Bears early odds and prediction for Week 8

To say things are going well for the Washington Commanders through seven weeks would be an understatement. After being poor enough to get a top-two pick last season, this is a franchise rejuvenated. We're not at the midway point yet, but there's nothing to suggest head coach Dan Quinn cannot improve this revamped roster further heading into the business end of the campaign.

The Commanders are dealing with one major issue. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels went down with a rib injury on Washington's first offensive play against the Carolina Panthers. He toughed it out for the series but wasn't risked after that. Quinn listed him as week-to-week with the issue, so how the dynamic quarterback fares in the coming days over practice will be crucial.

Washington won't go far without Daniels under center. Marcus Mariota performed admirably versus the Panthers. The Chicago Bears defense is a different proposition entirely, so the Commanders will give the No. 2 overall selection every chance to suit up for his highly-anticipated showdown with Caleb Williams at Northwest Stadium.

There are storylines aplenty in this one. Daniels' status has taken center stage, even over the pending return of defensive end Montez Sweat, who was traded by the Commanders for a high-end second-round selection before the 2023 deadline.

Another interesting occasion awaits. However, there is a lot to be determined before both sets of players take to the field.

Commanders vs. Bears early odds for Week 8

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 1.5-point underdogs at home to the Bears in Week 8. Bear in mind, that this is likely to fluctuate violently throughout the week depending on Daniels' participation - or lack thereof - in practice. It's also the reason why this is available at -110 in both directions (bet $110 to win $100).

Anyone wishing to bet the Commanders' money line can get odds of +104 currently (bet $100 to win $104). Chicago is narrowly favored for now to secure a notable success on the road at -122 (bet $122 to win $100).

FanDuel Sportsbook has set the initial over/under at 43.5 points for the contest. Again, there is a high probability this will alter if Daniels provides an encouraging outlook regarding his participation this week.

• Over 43.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
• Under 43.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Commanders vs. Bears prediction for Week 8

This is hard to predict right now. The Commanders are underdogs for the sole reason of Daniels' predicament. If the signal-caller had a clean bill of health, they'd be the ones favored.

Daniels' situation is worth monitoring closely throughout the coming days. CBS will be praying he can participate after flexing this game to their prime late afternoon slot. That won't matter to Quinn and his staff, who'll make the best decision for the player and always keep the bigger picture in mind.

If Daniels plays, the Commanders should win to extend their unbeaten home record. He's not going to be 100 percent, so resting him cannot be completely dismissed if there is even the slightest doubt.

How the Commanders' defense copes with Chicago's offense is something else that will have a leading say in the overall outcome. Williams has come to life in recent weeks after going through some initial growing pains. Their run game is strong and they have enough talent at the pass-catching positions to do damage if Washington isn't ready.

• Prediction: Commanders win

This is predicated on Daniels' participation. The Commanders can dispose of the Bears if he's on the field. If it's Mariota, things change dramatically.

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