The Washington Redskins (5-7) head to Soldier Field to play the Chicago Bears (5-7) this week. Both Chicago and Washington have had their share of issues throughout the season, but things have been even worse lately, with both teams having lost two of their last three. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec 13 and will air on FOX.
In last week’s game, Chicago suffered a loss at the hands of the 49ers 26-20. Matt Forte had a great game in the loss, putting up 123 total yards and a score. He had 84 yards on the ground and 39 yards receiving. Washington also came up short, suffering a narrow defeat against the Cowboys 19-16. DeSean Jackson had a huge game for the Redskins, pulling in six receptions for 80 yards and one TD.
Chicago is a slim one-point favorite at home against the Redskins. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently at 44 points.
Sitting at 5-7 Straight Up (SU) and 7-5 Against The Spread (ATS), the Bears will look to improve heading into Week 14. In their five most recent matchups, the Bears went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. Chicago is up against a Redskins run defense that ranks last in the league with 156.8 rushing yards allowed per road game. As for the Chicago defense, a few key matchups could decide this game. Expect the Bears defense to restrict Washington’s passing game. The Bears have the second-ranked pass defense in the NFL and give up 210.8 passing yards per game. The Bears should try to strip Washington’s players of the football. The Redskins are one of the worst teams when it comes to fumbles lost with 0.8 per game. The Bears hope to continue the trend of striking early against Washington’s defense during the first quarter, when it allows a league-worst 9.4 points per road game. On the road, Washington’s average time of possession is 26:41 per game. This ranks 31st in the NFL, so expect the Bears to control the game’s pace this week.
Shifting to the opposition, the Redskins head into Week 14 with records of 5-7 for both ATS and SU. Over their last five games, the Redskins have a SU and ATS record of 2-3. It shouldn’t be too hard for the Redskins to start fast this week with Chicago’s defense allowing more points in the first quarter (6.8) than any other team in the league. Special teams coverage could improve for the Bears, who rank among the worst in the league with 103.7 return yards allowed per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, ATS Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
Chicago is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago’s last 10 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago’s last 12 games at home.
Chicago is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home.
Chicago is 6-17-1 ATS in its last 24 games at home.
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington.
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington.
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington.
Washington is 4-3 SU this season, when leading at the half. Chicago is 3-1 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
This season, Washington is only 1-3 SU in games where it wins the turnover battle, and an even 3-3 SU when losing the turnover battle.
The Washington defense has forced an average of two turnovers over its last five games. Chicago is 0-6 SU this season when turning the ball over at least twice in a game.
The Chicago ground attack is ranked 11th in the league, while the Washington rush defense is only ranked 25th. The Redskins’ rushing game is ranked 23rd, compared to the 29th-ranked run defense of the Bears.
