Every NFL fan knows the historical weight behind the Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers rivalry. It’s the oldest in the league and always draws national attention. But as the 2025 season kicks off with a revitalized Bears squad and an ambitious coaching staff, there’s another game circled on calendars across Chicago — a matchup that could signify a shift in the team’s future. That game? The Week 6 Monday Night Football showdown between the Bears and the Washington Commanders.
This isn’t just another contest — it’s a benchmark. It’s a signal of how far the franchise has come in its rebuild and a litmus test for how serious Chicago is about rejoining the ranks of the NFC’s elite. With a fresh quarterback under center, a new head coach on the sidelines, and a fanbase desperate for resurgence, this game is poised to be the most anticipated non-Packers clash of the season.
To understand why this game carries such weight, we need to look at the current state of the Chicago Bears. The franchise underwent a significant transformation in 2025, drafting quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick and hiring offensive mastermind Ben Johnson as head coach.
Ben Johnson, formerly Detroit’s offensive coordinator, was widely regarded as one of the NFL’s brightest young minds. Known for his creative play designs and aggressive style, Johnson brings hope to a team that has struggled offensively for years. His presence alone signals a departure from the ultra-conservative game plans that plagued the previous regime.
And then there’s Caleb Williams — the star from USC, the Heisman winner, the player expected to finally solve Chicago’s decades-long quarterback woes. Expectations are sky-high. While rookie seasons are rarely perfect, fans and analysts alike are watching his development closely. By Week 6, Williams will have had five games under his belt — a solid sample size to judge his progress.
So why is a mid-season game against the Washington Commanders, of all teams, so important?
For starters, Washington is undergoing a transformation of its own. Their young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, was selected second overall and enters his second year after a standout rookie season. That sets up a tantalizing primetime quarterback duel between two of the most hyped young players in the league. Think of it as a modern parallel to the early Brady-Manning showdowns — two elite talents from the same draft class, both fighting to prove themselves.
Secondly, the Commanders boast one of the league’s more aggressive defenses. Featuring dynamic edge rushers and a secondary that thrives on turnovers, this unit will test the limits of Williams’ poise and decision-making. It’s not just another game — it’s an exam.
The national spotlight also adds weight. Monday Night Football games carry more pressure and prestige, especially for young quarterbacks trying to prove they belong on the big stage. Williams’ performance in that game could define his rookie narrative, for better or worse.
Another key detail: this game comes immediately after the Bears’ bye week.
Historically, the Bears haven’t fared well following their bye. Coaching transitions, lack of preparation, or a mid-season slump — whatever the reason, this trend has hurt them. But now, with a new regime in place, there’s an opportunity to flip that script. Johnson and his staff will have extra time to prepare, giving them a chance to craft a game plan that could maximize Williams’ strengths and exploit Washington’s weaknesses.
A strong performance post-bye would signal that the Bears are more organized, better coached, and more capable of adjustments than in years past. That alone makes this game a statement opportunity.
While the game won’t determine playoff seeding or divisional titles, its symbolic value can’t be overstated.
- For Caleb Williams: This is a chance to validate his status as the future of the franchise. A sharp performance under the lights against another young star will help silence doubters and energize fans.
- For Ben Johnson: It’s a moment to showcase how his system operates with time to prepare. A loss wouldn’t be catastrophic, but a win would reinforce faith in his leadership.
- For the Bears as a franchise: More than anything, it’s about momentum. Beating a comparable up-and-coming team on national TV would provide a psychological boost, not just for the roster, but for the city. Chicago hasn’t been a serious NFC threat in years — this game could be the start of a new narrative.
Washington’s defense is aggressive, opportunistic, and fast. Williams will need to read coverages quickly and avoid costly turnovers. His mobility and improvisational skills could be key if protection breaks down. This matchup will show whether he can adjust to NFL-caliber disguises and blitzes.
While the Bears invested in their line during the offseason, it remains unproven. Washington’s pass rush — featuring talented edge defenders — will challenge the unit’s cohesion and technique. If the line holds up, it could be a turning point in offensive consistency.
Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback, and Chicago’s defense will need to contain his scrambling while also respecting his deep ball. The Bears have built up their secondary and pass rush, but stopping Daniels will require discipline and creativity in play-calling.
This game also reflects something larger: the NFL’s changing of the guard. Veteran quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Matthew Stafford are nearing the end of their careers. In their place, a new generation of stars is emerging, and games like Bears vs. Commanders will define the league’s next decade.
More broadly, the NFL is hungry for fresh rivalries. As both the Bears and Commanders rise from the ashes of mediocrity, this primetime showdown could be the beginning of a new narrative — two rebuilding teams with young, explosive quarterbacks ready to make waves.
Chicago fans are cautiously optimistic. They’ve been here before — a new coach, a new quarterback, and new hope — only to be let down. But this time feels different. Johnson is a proven play-caller. Williams has the raw talent and charisma to lead. And the front office, for once, seems unified in its direction.
Still, this game will test that optimism. If the Bears falter badly, fans will start asking tough questions. If they shine, Soldier Field (or possibly Arlington Heights in the future) might finally feel like it’s on the path to glory.
While matchups against division foes like the Packers and Vikings always stir emotions, it’s the clash with the Commanders that may define the Bears’ season. It’s more than just a game — it’s a measuring stick, a showcase, and a possible turning point.
In a league that thrives on narratives, Week 6 could be the day the Bears stop being a rebuilding project and start being a real contender. And for that reason, it’s the one game — beyond the rivalry — that fans should be looking forward to the most.
