The Chicago Bears will face another pivotal matchup in Week 6. While Ben Johnson dismissed the notion of a rematch following last year's infamous loss, which has been dubbed the "Hail Maryland" in the D.C. area, it will still be another chance for Caleb Williams to one-up Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Also, that loss from 2024 certainly still stings.
However, that won't be the only crucial storyline to consider in Week 6. It might also be the final straw that either makes or breaks any potential trade for New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara, as the veteran has been tangled up in multiple trade rumors since the start of the season.
Any Alvin Kamara Trade Might Hinge on Week 6
The Saints will host the New England Patriots as 3.5-point underdogs this weekend. Spencer Rattler has looked good, but chances are high that New Orleans will fall to 1-5. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Saints might have to consider moving on from their fan favorite and veteran running back.
It's also worth noting that the Bears will square off against the Saints in Week 7, and teams rarely, if ever, make deals with the very same team they're going to face that week. That puts more pressure on the front office to get a deal done before then, assuming the possibility is still on the table.
D'Andre Swift hasn't been efficient this season, and he's going to be in for a tough challenge on Monday night. The Commanders boast the second-best run defense in the league in terms of Pro Football Focus grades, and given the way he's struggled, another dud might be enough for the Bears to move on from him.
On the other hand, head coach Ben Johnson has had Swift's back, as he hasn't wanted to point the finger at just one player for the running game's struggles. That means that a strong game from Swift, albeit unlikely, could also lead Johnson and GM Ryan Poles to stay put and not make a trade for a running back at all.
To complicate matters a little more, the Bears might not be the only team trying to make a run at Kamara. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are both also reportedly in the trade market for a veteran running back, and they could also look to pry him away before the trade deadline, so the Bears can't afford to wait much longer if they truly want him.
Whether it's to trade for him or not, all signs point to Week 6 as a potential make-or-break moment in the Alvin Kamara sweepstakes.