The Chicago Bears are idle in Week 5 with “Monday Night Football” left to go, but there was plenty of news that should be of interest to the franchise before they make their return to the gridiron in Week 6.
Two of the other four teams in their division, the NFC North, were active on Sunday, though. They put forth noteworthy efforts.
The Bears’ next opponent, the Washington Commanders, also put on a show.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders Lead Bears News Roundup
Bears Get Early Glimpse of Jayden Daniels Before Commanders Game
The Bears were unfortunate in that Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made his triumphant return to the field from a knee injury that cost him two games. However, Daniels was not at his sharpest in the contest, which is to be expected after a multi-week layoff.
Daniels completed 57.7% of his passes for 231 yards and 1 touchdown with 0 interceptions in a 27-10, Week 5 win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
He was sacked once.
Daniels and the Commanders’ offense hung 27 points on the Chargers’ third-ranked total and fourth-ranked scoring defense. That is an ominous sign for the Bears, who entered Sunday’s games in Week 5 ranked 25th in scoring defense and 27th overall.
They have struggled to generate pressure on opposing QBs, and their offense has been inconsistent this season.
The Commanders were ranked 18th and 24th, respectively, entering their win over LA.
It will be up to head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams, and the rest of the Bears’ offense to prove which version of the Commanders is real. The same can be said about the Bears on both sides of the ball, but particularly on offense.
After moving the ball and scoring at will against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, the Bears had more difficulty against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4.
Then there is the whole rematch from last season aspect about this game.
NFC North Rolls in Week 5
Like the Bears, the Green Bay Packers were off in Week 5. But the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings held the NFC North down. Both teams notched big wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns, respectively.
Entering Week 5, the NFC North was one of two divisions in the league that did not have a team with a losing record.
The other was the NFC West.
However, Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals lost to the previously winless Tennessee Titans and rookie No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward on Sunday. That leaves the NFC North as the second-winningest division, behind only the NFC West, ahead of Week 6.
The Bears have already lost to the Lions and Vikings this season. They will travel to Minnesota in Week 11, but will not see the Lions until they visit Soldier Field in Week 18.
Bengals Fans Call For Former Bears QB
Former Bears quarterback Brett Rypien is the definition of a journeyman and career backup. He is in his sixth NFL season on his seventh team with a 2-2 record as a starter. However, Bengals fans were calling on him to replace Bengals QB Jake Browning after another poor showing in place of the injured Joe Burrow.
Browning, who lost 37-24 to the Lions, posted a 251-3-3 line on 65% completion and took 2 sacks during the game. He has thrown multiple interceptions in three of his four outings.
The Bengals are 0-3 in Brownings’ starts.
Rypien spent the offseason program and training camp with the Bears in 2024. He joined the Vikings after roster cutdowns. Rypien signed with the Bengals after his tenure in Minneapolis ended at the end of the 2025 preseason. The Bears will visit the Bengals in Week 9.