Falcons (7-8) at Bears (6-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, Chicago
TV:
Spread (BetMGM):
Bears by 3
Falcons’ keys to victory: Atlanta needs a steady dose of RB Bijan Robinson, who has been the offense’s most consistent playmaker but hasn’t always gotten his fair share of touches. The Falcons offensive line will also be tasked with keeping QB Taylor Heinicke upright against a Bears pass rush that’s been lethal since the arrival of DE Montez Sweat. On defense, Atlanta will look to contain QB Justin Fields, who has made opposing defenses pay with his legs. Fields rushed for 85 yards in last year’s matchup, and keeping him in the pocket will be a top priority for the Falcons defense.
Bears’ keys to victory: Chicago will look to get off to a fast start and keep the foot on the pedal. The run game has been the bread and butter for the Bears offense, and it should lean on the tandem of Fields and RBs D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson to establish a balanced attack. The offense will be tested by one of the better red-zone defenses in the NFL and will need to avoid settling for field goals. On defense, Chicago will look to turn up the heat on Heinicke and force him into mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Falcons’ Robinson vs. Bears’ run defense. Chicago has been a top-five defense against the run this season. It has allowed more than 100 rushing yards in a game only five times this season, and no running back has broken the 100-yard mark.
Who wins? Atlanta is still contending for the NFC South crown. But the Bears defense has dominated of late and Fields is playing against his hometown team.
Bears, 24-17