After a rocky start to the season with two losses, the Chicago Bears are experiencing a remarkable turnaround and have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. The Bears have secured three consecutive victories, including a thrilling 25-24 win against the Washington Commanders on Monday night.
The game reached a nail-biting conclusion as Jake Moody successfully kicked a 38-yard field goal as time expired. This victory came just a week after an equally dramatic win over the Las Vegas Raiders, where they also triumphed with a 25-24 scoreline. This rare occurrence marked the first time in 99 years that a team has won two straight one-point games with the identical score, a feat last accomplished by the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926. Interestingly, that game also included a win against the Bears, revealing a historical twist to this rivalry.
Notably, the Bears have now claimed three of the six games in the past decade that ended with a score of 25-24. The victory over Washington was significant as the Bears had previously lost 28 consecutive games when trailing by eight points or more in the fourth quarter, showcasing a newfound resilience.
Over the years, the Bears have struggled on the road, but this season marks a shift in that trend. This year, they have already surpassed their total of one road win from the entire 2024 season by achieving two wins away from home. Notably, they have won back-to-back road games for the first time since 2020.
In the weather-challenging conditions of Washington, D’Andre Swift was instrumental in the Bears’ success, rushing for 108 yards and making a significant impact with 67 receiving yards that included a 55-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. His performance marked a notable achievement, as he became the first Bears player in 12 years to gain over 100 rushing yards alongside at least 60 receiving yards in a single game, a record last held by Matt Forte in 2013.
Jake Moody, filling in for Cairo Santos, played a vital role by nailing four field goals, which included the decisive kick to clinch the win. His performance in difficult weather conditions has sparked speculation about a potential kicking controversy in Chicago.
With their current three-game winning streak, the Bears are tied for the longest in the NFL and now sit just half a game behind the Packers for the NFC North lead. The upcoming schedule appears favorable, as their next four opponents—Saints, Ravens, Bengals, and Giants—have a combined record of 6-18. The Bears may well position themselves as a dark horse playoff contender as the season progresses, providing their fans with renewed hope and excitement.