The Atlanta Falcons will face a big test this week at home as they host the Chicago Bears. While Chicago is coming off an embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers, they are expected to get star quarterback Caleb Williams back in their lineup this week, which will make them far more formidable.
While Ben Johnson's offense rightfully gets most of the attention, the Bears defense has actually performed pretty well this year - despite what happened on Sunday. Going into Week 6, Chicago ranks ninth against the run, 12th against the pass and ninth in total yardage allowed.
Nevertheless, Pete Prisco at CBS Sports is predicting the Falcons will light up the Bears defense en route to an upset win on Sunday.
"The Bears are off a horrible showing in Green
Bay, in which the defense was shredded. But the Falcons lost in overtime to the Ravens and quarterback Michael Penix was hurt. He will likely play here, and that's a good thing since he can light up the Chicago defense. Falcons win it. Pick: Falcons 27, Bears 21"
The formula for success on this side of the ball is a simple one: get an early lead, ride Bijan Robinson and throw in some deep play action shots from Michael Penix. If the Falcons can do that, at the very least they'll be able to hang with the Bears in what could turn into a high-scoring shootout.
If they can't it will look more like Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. They don't want Penix having to carry a heavy load on his own - especially since he's dealing with a rib injury.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: CBS Sports predicts Falcons 'light up' Bears defense in Week 6
