Predictions On Tap Week 6: Bears at Falcons

The biggest question mark is the one everyone is asking: will Williams be back? He’s missed three straight games with the hamstring injury he suffered against the Vikings, and all signs point to him returning. He was a full participant at practice Wednesday and Thursday, and the Bears even posted a video of him working out with the caption “QB1 gettin’ loose.” In his first media session since the injury, he called it “a pretty serious one,” said “I felt a pop,” shut down questions about the grade with a repeated “Next question,” and still said he didn’t know yet if he was playing.

Then came the cryptic stuff: a hype video he reposted on TikTok that Bears media gave the #IcemanReturn treatment. He’s officially questionable, but most reports indicate the Iceman is coming back. With Tyson Bagent benched for Case Keenum in the fourth quarter at Green Bay, the offense desperately needs him.

The defense will look very different. Montez Sweat is serving a two-game suspension , and Dayo Odeyingbo is on injured reserve with a quad injury and will miss at least four games, which takes away two of the team’s best pass rushers. T.J. Edwards is also out. The help is on the way, though. Shemar Turner, the second-year lineman returning from an ACL tear, is expected to make his long-awaited season debut, and Kyler Gordon was activated off the PUP list and is expected back in the slot, which would push Malik Muhammad outside opposite Jaylon Johnson.

All of that points to a game that could turn into a shootout. Both teams run the ball better than almost anyone (the Bears lead the league in rushing yards per game, the Falcons second), and Atlanta’s defense is giving up 24.4 points a game while the Bears are down several pass rushers. Bijan Robinson has 580 rushing yards through five games, Michael Penix Jr. is dealing with a rib injury, and the Bears will need to score to keep up. Kyle Monangai is out with turf toe, making Williams’ return even more important.

Now, on to the predictions!

Nick Demao: Bears 28, Falcons 17

I think the defense will focus on stopping Bijan Robinson, and Kyler Gordon’s return will open up the defensive playbook for Dennis Allen. Caleb returns with 3 touchdowns, and Colston Loveland finally gets on the board with a big game. With the Falcons down to their backup’s backup at AJ Terrell’s spot, I think this is the game Luther Burden breaks out for 8 catches, over 100 yards, and a touchdown.

Samir Patel: Bears 24, Falcons 28

This pains me to type. With Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. both starting, I’m leaning Falcons, mostly because I don’t trust this Bears defense right now. I don’t think Chicago can generate enough pass rush to bother Penix, and I think Kevin Stefanski has enough tape on Dennis Allen’s blitzes to get the ball out quickly. Add Bijan Robinson in the backfield, and I see Atlanta controlling the clock. Caleb makes the Bears more explosive, but I think they lose the time-of-possession battle for the second straight week.

Ron Luce: Bears 31, Falcons 28

The Bears should get back to their winning ways, especially with Caleb Williams expected to play on Sunday. The Falcons are no joke, though, and they’ve been high-flying with Michael Penix. The Bears need a win, but I don’t expect a blowout.

Quinten Krzysko: Bears 31, Falcons 17

I’m assuming both Caleb and Penix play, but I think Tua finishes this game. The Bears score early and hit Penix, leaving Atlanta down multiple scores and desperate. We’ve seen Dennis Allen scheme up stops at the start and end of games all season, and this is that spot. Grady Jarrett and Allen know this Falcons offensive line well, so I think their pressure plan will work. I don’t need sacks, just hits on Penix, because I don’t think he can survive that. For the Bears to win, the offense has to keep its foot on the gas and turn this into a shootout, which I don’t think the Falcons can win. The corners also have to win at the catch point against Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and Devin Bush needs a big game. My dream scenario is Bijan fumbling early. I’ll take the Bears, 31-17.

Michael Tsypin: Bears 27, Falcons 24

Returning from a hamstring injury is always tricky, but I expect Caleb Williams and the offense to get back to form. I think the passing game will have a big day, including a big Loveland game.