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Bears finally win. NFL loses an icon. Plus, Week 5 game picks and fantasy advice

Jim Reineking   Paste BN

Welcome to Week 5 in the NFL. The embattled Chicago Bears earned their first win in nearly a year hours after the football world learned of the death of franchise legend Dick Butkus.

Previously on NFL: Chicago Bears 40, Washington Commanders 20 — The Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak, thanks to a career night from receiver DJ Moore. It was the Bears' first win since Oct. 24, 2022, and the team's highest point total since Dec. 27, 2020. Justin Fields matched a career high with four touchdown passes as the Bears put aside off-field drama with a much-needed victory. Washington, meanwhile, lost for the third straight time after a 2-0 start to the season.

Game of the week: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers — There's a lot of history between these two teams, with the 49ers ending the previous two Cowboys seasons in the playoffs. This "Sunday Night Football" showdown will be telling as to where each stands in the NFC hierarchy. The 49ers have looked like the class of the conference through four weeks. The Cowboys have been impressive, too, but had a major stumble against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. A Cowboys win Sunday night would go a long way toward establishing them as for-real-this-time contenders.

Sneaky-good game of the week: Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons — Are the Texans good now? What's up with the Falcons? This seems like a game that could be an inflection point for both teams, which are each 2-2. The Falcons have dropped back-to-back games and the heat is on starting quarterback Desmond Ridder. The Texans' C.J. Stroud, meanwhile, has been the most impressive rookie quarterback. The second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft is fourth in the NFL with 1,212 passing yards and has yet to throw an interception (an NFL rookie record 151 pass attempts without a pick). Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson, the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, has been impressive and is worth tuning in to watch play.

Survivor Pool Game of the Week: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins — After dropping a 70-burger in Week 3, the Dolphins came crashing back down to earth in Week 4 against the division rival Bills. Now, the Dolphins return home very angry to face a Giants team that got embarrassed on national television. The Giants have scored just 46 points this season, lowest in the league. This game has rout written all over it. (Previous survivor pool picks - Week 1: Ravens ✅, Week 2: 49ers ✅, Week 3: Chiefs ✅, Week 4: Eagles ✅)

➤ PHOTOS: Cheerleaders, celebrities, fans and mascots at NFL games

NFL icon Dick Butkus dies at 80

Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus, perhaps the greatest middle linebacker to ever play in the NFL, died at the age of 80, the team announced Thursday. Butkus is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and staple of nearly every conceivable NFL all-time team.

As Paste BN Sports' Mike Freeman writes, Dick Butkus was brutal, fierce and mean. He was also something else. He was a true football player. He was the NFL.

NFL Week 5: Pigskin prognostications

NFL news, notes and analysis

Fantasy football: Get your lineup right

It's that time of year, football fans, when bye weeks threaten your fantasy football title hopes and dreams. These can be a challenge to navigate as you continue on your quest for fantasy football domination. Lucky for you, we're here to help.

Week 5 NFL schedule

Bye week: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Thursday

Chicago Bears 40, Washington Commanders 20

Sunday

Monday

➤ Complete 2023 NFL schedule

Talkin' football

If you enjoy reading 4th & Monday 📰, encourage your football fan friends to subscribe 📱. Follow the righteously rational writer of this newsletter on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter @jimreineking ✖ or Threads @jimreineking.

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