Bears Vs Redskins: Prediction, Betting Odds, And More; Cutler Capable Of Leading Chicago To Playoffs?

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler certainly remembers Washington corner DeAngelo Hall. The three-time Pro Bowler made an NFL-record four interceptions off Cutler back in 2010, and according to the Chicago Tribune, Hall’s jersey was quickly scuttled off to the Hall of Fame following the 17-14 Redskins victory.

Two years later and Cutler appears to be changed a quarterback, while Hall and the Redskins are struggling at 1-4 ahead of Sunday’s matchup at FedEx Field.

The Redskins are 24th in pass defense, 31st with 8.6 yards allowed per pass play, and have only forced three interceptions. But Mike Shanahan’s club may be turning things around, after holding pass-heavy Dallas to 165 passing yards in last week’s 31-16 loss.

Much of the secondary’s credit belongs to Hall, who held top Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant to 36 yards and stunted his four-game touchdown streak.

Cutler and Chicago's offense went cold in the second half of last week’s 27-21 win over the New York Giants, but safety Major Wright and corner Tim Jennings picked up the slack with two of the Bears three interceptions. Cutler went 24-for-36 for 262 yards and two touchdowns, and is on pace to surpass his career-highs with 12 TDs and 1,630 passing yards after six games.

Receiver Brandon Marshall pulled down nine receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall is now 12th in the NFL with 465 yards, and tied for sixth with five touchdowns. Hall’s only assignment should be to smother Marshall just as he did Bryant.

On the flip side, Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III has struggled this season with his accuracy. He’s missed a minimum of 13 throws in each of the Redskins five games, and last week went 19-for-39 for 246 yards and an interception.

It would difficult to blame any of Washington’s receivers, as the top four of Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, and Jordan Reed have totaled a measly four drops.

If Griffin continues to struggle, running back Alfred Morris could see plenty of touches and continue his trend of 5.2 yards per carry. Morris leads Washington with 377 yards and three rushing touchdowns, but even accounting for the Redskins bye, he's 23rd with 72 carries this season.

On the injury front, Washington cornerback David Amerson was limited in practice on Wednesday after suffering a concussion against Dallas, and nose tackle Chris Neild is battling a calf injury.

According to Chicago head coach Marc Trestman, every Bear participated in practice on Thursday. However the team's official site listed linebacker D.J. Williams as out, and linebacker James Anderson, tight end Martellus Bennett, defensive tackle Stephen Paea, and corner Charles Tillman as limited participants.

Las Vegas Betting Odds: Chicago favored by 1 point

Over-Under: 50 points

Kickoff Time: 1 PM Eastern Time

Where To Watch Online: NFL Game Access

TV Channel: FOX

Prediction: Chicago 27, Washington 20