The Chicago Bears (3-2) are gearing up for a Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (2-3) on Sunday, where Chicago is looking to get back in the win column after a brutal showing in Week 5.
The Bears are coming off a 31-7 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers, where Chicago was out-coached and outplayed in all phases. Tyson Bagent had one of the worst quarterback performances in recent Bears history, throwing two interceptions before being benched in the fourth quarter for Case Keenum. Meanwhile, the defense was shredded by Jordan Love and Green Bay's offense, allowing six explosive plays of 30-plus yards, and they had no answers.
Will Chicago get back on track against Atlanta? Our Bears Wire staff is divided. Here's a look at their game predictions
for Bears-Falcons in Week 6:
Alyssa Barbieri (2-3): Bears 31, Falcons 27
Bold prediction: D'Andre Swift rushes for 100 yards
The only reason I'm picking the Bears to win this game is because of the expected return of Caleb Williams. If Chicago has to rely on Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum in this one, it's another loss against a sneaky-talented Falcons team. Although, for what it's worth, Ben Johnson's team has shown an ability to bounce back after tough losses, and I expect a much better effort this weekend against Atlanta.
All indications are that Caleb Williams will return to the lineup this week, and it's exactly what this offense needs. While the Bears were able to go 2-1 without him, there's only so long a team can find success with backup quarterbacks. But the biggest concern heading into this game is the run game, which had its worst showing of the season last week. And, unfortunately, it looks like Kyle Monangai will miss his second straight game, which doesn't bode well against a talented Falcons run defense. D'Andre Swift is going to need an impressive showing to help get this offense off to a strong start.
The defense is banged up and reeling after last week's brutal showing against the Packers. It was even worse than their performance against the Panthers in Week 1, and they managed to bounce back the following three weeks. But with Bijan Robinson on deck, it has the potential to be a massacre on the ground, especially with one of their best run defenders in Montez Sweat suspended the next two games. But if Kyler Gordon can make his return to the lineup, it would be a nice boost for this ravaged secondary. Still, I don't have a lot of confidence that we'll see the defense from Weeks 2-4 show up, so the offense is going to have to win this one.
Brendan Sugrue (3-2): Falcons 34, Bears 30
Bold prediction: Atlanta totals 200+ rushing yards
Have the Bears rinsed the stink off themselves following last week’s embarrassment of a performance? I sure hope so because there’s another road game ahead of them that features a potent offense capable of producing fireworks. Unfortunately, I foresee a familiar result on Sunday.
The Bears head to Atlanta with renewed hopes with the (very likely) return of quarterback Caleb Williams. That will be a major boost to the offense after they’ve managed to go 2-1 with backups over the last few weeks. We all know what Williams can do on the football field, but will it take some time for him to readjust? He’s returning from the first injury of his career and hasn’t had the normal consistency he craves week in and week out. I’m concerned this could be a slow start for the team’s signal caller, and the Bears fall behind early without their full complement of running backs.
As for the defense, they’re in as bad of shape as you can be. Two of the Bears’ starting defensive linemen are likely out in Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, both of whom are solid against the run, while linebacker T.J. Edwards could miss as well. The secondary got exposed last week, and while Atlanta doesn’t have the burners that Green Bay does, they may still struggle against the likes of Drake London (assuming Michael Penix is healthy enough from his rib injury). But it all comes down to Bijan and Brian Robinson, the dangerous duo in the backfield that is responsible for the second-best rushing attack in the NFL by yards per game. Without help up front, the Falcons could be breaking off chunk runs every handoff.
This is a very winnable game for Chicago, and I could easily see them coming away with a victory. But it all hinges on No. 18 and if he’s healthy enough to play. And even if he is, who’s to say he won’t struggle as he works to get into a rhythm? That’s my biggest concern, and it’s why I believe the Falcons come away with the win.
Mike Pendleton (3-2): Bears 42, Falcons 27
Bold prediction: Caleb Williams returns and throws for 300 yards and 3 TDs
Caleb Williams made it clear on Thursday that he didn’t take too kindly. to how the outside media perceived him and his injury. A fired up Williams should be able to thrive while looking to send a message against Atlanta’s passing defense that gives up the sixth most passing yards in the NFL.
A lot of focused and conversation will be around the running backs for both teams, but it in the end should and could come down to quarterback play, and the Bears have that advantage with a healthy Williams. If he is healthy, this could be a game to remember for him and Ben Johnson, as they are both looking to get back on the right track.
There will certainly be plenty of points scored in this one, D’Andre Swift will get a bulk of the work out of the backfield but I expect this game to be a back-and-forth shootout. Chicago will pull off the win, but not without a few worrisome spots seeing how their defense struggled against Green Bay last week.
Vinnie Parise (3-2): Bears 34, Falcons 28
Bold prediction: There will be an incredible offensive explosion for four quarters
The Chicago Bears are a good football team. However, they are coming off a terrible loss to the Green Bay Packers, which has them coming into Week 6 with pressure. They went 2-1 without Caleb Williams, which anyone would have signed up for, but the 1 loss was a blowout defeat at the hands of their arch rival.
Now, they have the Falcons, who have an incredibly gifted offense. Their run game is the reason that this unit shines, but Michael Penix has been good in his own right. He is healthy enough to play, as is Caleb Williams. This matchup forced FOX to include their broadcast “A-team”.
If both teams bring their best effort, FOX will be happy with their decision. The Bears defense has played two bad games and three good ones. If they can be somewhere in between against the high flying Falcons, their offense with Williams back should be able to squeak out a very important win in a shootout.
Ariana Pensy (3-2): Bears 30, Falcons 27
Bold prediction: Caleb Williams has 3+ TDs in return from injury
After last week’s performance, I do not have a lot of confidence that the Bears’ defense will keep Atlanta from putting up some points. The Falcons arguably have the best running back in the NFL in Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr is actually pretty good too. Between the Robinsons in the backfield, odds are they will put up a few touchdowns, especially with their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr, playing through a rib injury.
Offensively, with quarterback Caleb Williams hopefully returning this week, the offense can finally get back to its full potential. The Falcons defense is a lot better against the run than the pass, which will probably cause the Bears to lean more on Williams and the passing game to sustain drives and get the ball downfield. Chicago will need their wide receivers to step up, especially Rome Odunze, who only caught a third of his targets and lost a fumble last week.
Ultimately, the Bears bounce back from their horrible game last week and win against Atlanta thanks to quarterback Caleb Williams.
Randy Holt (2-3): Falcons 23, Bears 16
Bold prediction: Bears are held under 100 yards rushing.
As an eternal pessimist, last Sunday’s game at Lambeau left me with plenty of doubt about how the Bears stack up on the road again in Atlanta this weekend. For one, there are some grave concerns about the defense. While those same concerns existed following the Week 1 win at Carolina (and were immediately quelled for a few weeks), this Falcons rushing attack is second only to the Bears in total yardage and is the best in the NFC in the yards-per-carry game (5.0). The Robinson contingent in the Atlanta backfield poses a real problem for the Bears, regardless of Michael Penix’s status. Especially considering some of the added injuries (and a suspension) that the defense is facing after last week.
Offensively, the presumed absence of Kyle Monangai remains a massive issue even if Caleb Williams is set to return. Williams raises the ceiling of the offense, no doubt, but Monangai and his ability to create yardage after contact raises the floor. D’Andre Swift can do that, but that’s not really a tool in his tool box that we see regularly. As far as the Williams of it all, there will be an adjustment period upon his return (assuming he does, in fact, return), and I’m just not sure what his actual mobility could look like. Even if I’m trusting that the Bears aren’t going to put him out there at less than 100 percent, it’s entirely possible there’s some apprehension on his part when he comes to looking himself.
I don’t, by any measure, think the Bears will be embarrassed in the way that they were last Sunday, but it feels like there are just far too many variables working against them to emerge from this one clear of some of the notable issues.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagra
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Will Bears beat the Falcons? Our game picks and bold predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
