Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders - Week 6 NFL Monday Night Football Betting Picks and Predictions

The Chicago Bears are coming into their Monday night matchup with the Washington Commanders with a new look on the offensive front and a will to protect their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. The decision that stirred the locker room waters finally came through Saturday from Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson: Theo "Canadian Eagle" Benedet will be the new starting left tackle, putting veteran Braxton Jones on the bench.

The move follows Jones having struggled to live up to the start of the season, with the inability to be a consistent blindside protector to allow Williams to be comfortable in the pocket. The new athletic Benedet will be encouraged to be a stronger obstacle.

The timing could not be more critical, as the Bears (2-2) will be opposing a sturdy Commanders (3-2) front defense. However, Washington will be quite thin in their passing offense. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin and wideout Noah Brown were officially ruled out Saturday late to the game with injuries.

• This is a huge setback to the Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels, as now they will be dependent on a less-skilled receiving corps in front of a Bears secondary that had shown some comer-savvy flair. He has had 664 yards with 4 TDs, but that is with the aid of McLaurin and Brown.

This prime-time showdown is emerging as a dirty, defensive struggle. The linchpin narrative will be if Benedet can hold his own and if the Bears offense can take advantage of a thinning-on-the-edges Commanders receiving corps to eke out a big road victory.

Oddsmakers don't think so. The Commanders, at -210 are long money line favorites to win this contest. Perhaps the real target should be the 50 point total. Both teams lean toward the Over after a win this season, and Chicago is going to be in good shape coming off a bye week.