Bears and Commanders clash in a rain-soaked Monday night as Chicago looks to stamp itself as the NFC contender it hopes to be. The show highlights the running game, a retooled line, and a pivotal kicker decision in soggy weather. Jake Moody could supplant Cairo Santos in the elements, Theo Benedict steps in at left tackle, and the Bears lean on a healthier defense with TJ Edwards and Kyler Gordon back. Redemption narrative threads weave through Tyreek Stevenson’s matchup and a Bears offense still finding its rhythm.

Fred Warner’s season-ending injury and the lingering Bosa absence upend the 49ers’ defensive ceiling and playoff odds. Mack Jones steps in behind a battered line, with McCaffrey anchoring an offense that must lean on Bourne, Jennings, and Tonges for big plays. Purdy’s timeline adds a glimmer of hope, but the NFC is wide open and coaching edge may matter more than sheer talent down the stretch.

Six weeks deep, Baker Mayfield’s MVP buzz fuels Tampa Bay as injuries test the offense but offseason OC shuffles haven’t slowed momentum; the defense holds, the division race is open, and the NFC landscape is shifting with Colts’ 5-1 surge, Steelers’ trench dominance, and Seattle’s growing floor. The cast includes Patriots’ revival, Chiefs’ sharp edges with Rashid Rice back, and 49ers’ injury concerns shaping playoff hopes.

Zadarius Smith’s sudden retirement creates an abrupt edge-rush void for Philadelphia as the team heads into a short week. The hosts evaluate options—from promoting internal rookies to pursuing a veteran upgrade—while weighing whether Brandon Graham could return and how Nakobe Dean or Aziz Ojulari might slide into bigger roles. The discussion expands to market dynamics, with several NFC contenders chasing pass rush help and the potential fantasy impact on Eagles linebackers and edge players as Howie Roseman balances ceiling vs. snap count.