The Atlanta Falcons have another home game this week, hosting the Chicago Bears and their high-powered offense. Chicago also has a very respectable defense this year, making them the most well-rounded opponent on Atlanta's schedule so far this season.
Despite having home-field advantagem Atlanta is considered the underdog, so pulling off an upset will require some big one-on-one wins. Here are four key matchups we will be keeping an eye on this week.
DC Jeff Ulbrich vs. HC Ben Johnson
The most-difficult matchup for Atlanta this week will be on the sidelines rather than on the field. That's where defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will match wits with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who's one of the best offensive playcallers in the game today. Ulbrich's defense has performed far
better than expected, but this will be the toughest test that they have faced so far. Despite missing star quarterback Caleb Williams for three of five games Chicago still ranks seventh in yardageand 14th in points per game this year.
DT Gervon Dexter vs. RG Jonah Jackson
Just before the season began the Bears traded defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to the Falcons, who promptly signed him to a four-year, $78 million extension. Now Dexter has a chance for some payback against his former team, who apparently didn't want to make that kind of investment in him. Dexter will often line up against Bears right guard Jonah Jackson, who has the sixth-best overall PFF grade (83.5) at guard, ranking 10th in pass blocking and run blocking.
WR Drake London vs. CB Jaylon Johnson
The biggest weapon in Michael Penix Jr.'s arsenal is WR1 Drake London, who's posted over 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games with Penix starting. London still hasn't scored a touchdown yet this season but over the last three games he's been on fire, racking up 21 catches and 408 receiving yards. The Bears will likely shadow him with their two-time Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson, who has been uncharacteristically generous in coverage - allowing an 82.6% completion rate and a 133.2 passer rating, which are both career-worst numbers for Johnson.
TE Kyle Pitts vs. LB Devin Bush
After a very slow start to the season the Falcons finally got tight end Kyle Pitts integrated on offense last week. He posted five catches for 42 yards and caught his first touchdown of the year. They need more of the same from Pitts, who will have to contend with former Steelers first-round pick Devin Bush. Through five games Bush has only allowed a 42.9% completion rate, zero touchdowns and a 50.3 passer rating in coverage.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Bears: 4 key matchups to watch in Week 6
