(670 The Score) The Bears and Commanders will play their much-anticipated game on Oct. 27 in a premium time slot.
The NFL has flexed the matchup between the Bears and Commanders to 3:25 p.m. CT, with the top CBS broadcast team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo set to be on the call at Northwest Stadium. The game was initially set to kick off at noon CT.
The move comes as intrigue builds about the Bears and Commanders, who are led by rookie quarterbacks who were the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, while Washington drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2. Both players have been impressive early in their careers, leading their teams to 4-2 records.
Williams, 22, is a native of Washington D.C. who starred at Gonzaga College High School.
"I don’t know if there will be a lot of outside noise going home," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said Monday when asked of Williams' homecoming in Washington.
"We’re playing the Washington Commanders, and that’s what it’s going to be all about. Really, it’s about our preparation and our focus."
Later in the season, the Bears have three island games on their schedule — at the Detroit Lions on Nov. 28 on Thanksgiving Day, at the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 16 on Monday Night Football and against the Seahawks on Dec. 26 on Thursday Night Football.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.