It’s Week 5 of the NFL season, and the Washington Commanders are set to take on the Chicago Bears. With the game lines favoring Washington at -6, with an over/under of 44.5, there are several player props, game line bets, and fantasy football matchups to consider. Let’s dive into the matchups, player rankings, and projections to help inform your betting and fantasy decisions.

Quarterbacks: Justin Fields and Sam Howell

1. Justin Fields: My QB9 with an ECR of QB8, Fields is projected to have a solid game. Washington has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, and they have also struggled against rushing quarterbacks. Considering Fields’ player props of 200.5 passing yards, 48.5 rushing yards, 0.5 passing touchdowns, and 0.5 interceptions, he has the potential to exceed expectations. The key will be for the Bears’ offense to stick with design runs for Fields.

2. Sam Howell: Ranked as my QB17, Howell faces a Chicago defense that has allowed the 6th most passing yards this season. Howell’s player prop of 236.5 passing yards seems achievable given the matchup.

Running Backs: Brian Robinson, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and Antonio Gibson

1. Brian Robinson: Ranked as my RB14, Robinson faces a Bears defense that has allowed the 11th most rushing yards to running backs. With two out of four games going over his player prop of 63.5 rushing yards, Robinson could have a productive outing.

2. Roschon Johnson: My RB37 with an ECR of RB31, Herbert’s hot hand from last week could affect Johnson’s playing time and potential production in this game. Johnson is still a stash but not a flex play.

3. Khalil Herbert: My RB27 with an ECR of RB21, Herbert’s player prop of 44.5 rushing yards may be challenging to reach. The Bears backfield is still potentially a committee approach, and Washington has allowed the 11th fewest rushing yards to running backs this season. Temper expectations accordingly.

4. Antonio Gibson: Gibson’s player prop of 23.5 rushing yards may not be worth considering now. He has been disappointing in his opportunities and now Washington is allowing a 3rd back to get run.

Wide Receivers: DJ Moore, Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Darnell Mooney

1. DJ Moore: Despite a relatively low ECR ranking of WR25 compared to my ranking of WR16, Moore has exceeded his receiving yards mark in two out of four games. Facing a Washington defense that has allowed the 6th most receiving yards to wide receivers, Moore’s player prop of 48.5 receiving yards and 3.5 receptions appears promising.

2. Terry McLaurin: My WR21 on the week with an ECR of WR17, McLaurin has fallen short of his receiving yards mark in three out of four games. However, the Bears have allowed the 11th most fantasy points to wide receivers, which could provide an opportunity for a breakout performance. There isn’t obvious value considering his player prop of 60.5 receiving yards and 4.5 receptions. He should still be played as a low-end WR2 this week. 

3. Jahan Dotson: My WR38, Dotson’s performance thus far has been lackluster, and there are likely better options available at wide receiver. Look for alternatives rather than relying on Dotson’s usage inconsistencies.

4. Darnell Mooney: My WR59, should not be in consideration in typical 12-man leagues this week despite the byes. His usage in this low pass volume attack offers too low a floor. 

5. Curtis Samuel: My WR55, Samuel’s usage is too inconsistent to be considered for anything more than DFS lineups.

Tight Ends: Cole Kmet and Logan Thomas

1. Cole Kmet: My TE14 with an ECR of TE12, Kmet has exceeded his player props for receiving yards in three out of four games this season. However, Washington has allowed the least amount of fantasy points to tight ends. Adjust expectations accordingly and consider his player prop of 30.5 receiving yards and 3.5 receptions cautiously.

2. Logan Thomas: My TE19 this week should not be in your fantasy or betting considerations.

For more content from Dan Mader, host of the MD’s Fantasy Football Show, visit the youtube channel, or get the edge by viewing his industry-accurate rankings here.