The Atlanta Falcons look to reset against the Chicago Bears in a Week 6 battle that could have playoff implications down the line because of tie-breakers. The Falcons also look to reset their lack of home-field advantage, as they’re winless in the supposed friendly confines of Mercedes-Benz Stadium so far in 2026. If the team wants a renewed outlook, here are five players who can spark it.
Bijan Robinson
After a relatively quiet Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, running back Bijan Robinson is poised for another
big performance against the Bears. While the Bears’ run defense ranks ninth-best in the NFL in yards allowed, that stat is a bit misleading. They’ve benefited from facing teams that lack a commitment to running the ball (see Green Bay Packers) or teams that wanted to run the ball but couldn’t because they were playing from behind (see Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles).
If the Falcons don’t fall behind early and have to abandon the run, they should be able to lean heavily on Robinson to carry the offense, as they did against the Packers and New Orleans Saints.
Jahan Dotson
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson could be instrumental in exploiting a glaring weakness on the Bears’ defense. According to Next Gen Stats, the Bears have given up the most yards per game on deep passes this year. Dotson has been Atlanta’s most effective deep threat so far this year, hooking up with Michael Penix for explosive plays in each of the last two games. He can go for the hat trick against a vulnerable Bears secondary.
Avieon Terrell
Falcons rookie cornerback Avieon Terrell is set to make his starting debut this weekend as an injury replacement for C.J. Henderson. This could be an audition for the permanent starting gig if things go well. With A.J. Terrell potentially returning from injured reserve next week, the Falcons could sideline struggling starting cornerback Mike Hughes moving forward. So if Avieon’s starting debut goes well, Hughes’ demotion could come sooner rather than later.
Maason Smith & Samson Ebukam
Pressuring Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will fall on the entire Falcons front, but Maason Smith and Samson Ebukam are likely to have the most favorable matchups to spearhead that effort.
Williams has been extremely effective when kept clean this year, with the 5th best EPA per dropback when he’s not pressured, according to Next Gen Stats. So the Falcons must pressure him to slow the Bears’ offense.
Smith will face undersized center Garrett Bradbury and can use his size and power to bully him, while Ebukam should get a favorable matchup at left tackle. Ozzy Trapilo may return to the lineup this weekend, but he hasn’t stepped on a field since he suffered a knee injury last January. Ebukam can provide a not-so-warm welcome back come Sunday.
Can Atlanta bounce back under the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and capture that elusive first home win of 2026? Can you name other Falcons players who intrigue you in this battle?
