No Montez Sweat. No Dayo Odeyingbo and T.J. Edwards.
Not great for a defense that just allowed 31 on the road.
But the Bears will have Caleb Williams and nickel back Kyler Gordon back on the field Sunday.
Will that be enough?
Let’s dive into Week 6.
WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS
Adam Hoge (3-2) | Bears 31, Falcons 24
I’m making this pick based on Caleb Williams playing, which should get the offense back on track. The Ravens were able to run the ball on the Falcons last week and the Bears should be able to do the same, especially with D’Andre Swift’s health improving. The defensive attrition is worrisome against Bijan Robinson, but I expect the overall effort to be better. Making Michael Penix uncomfortable with his ribs injury early would be a good idea.
Adam Jahns (3-2) | Bears 30, Falcons 27
This is a Caleb Williams-is-back-and-ready-to-be-John-Wick pick. Did you hear him on Thursday? He’s ready to rock and roll. His health is everything, of course. But the Bears wouldn’t be putting Williams on the field if he needed more time. Everyone should be worried about the Bears’ defense. But if this turns into a shootout, then you have to go with the better quarterback — and that’s Williams.
Mark Carman (1-4) | Bears 24, Falcons 23
Caleb is back … most likely. Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Kyle Monangai, T.J. Edwards are not. Michael Penix Jr. has a rib injury. This is a tough one to call, as they all seemingly are. Ben Johnson’s Bears tend to bounce back after tough losses. Bijan Robinson looked great last week. Can the Bears stop him? Somehow, someway.
Patrick Norton (3-2) | Falcons 34, Bears 22
Let’s put the QB conversation aside for a moment. The Bears’ defense has allowed 34 points per game in two road games this season. The Falcons have scored 34 points per game over the last two weeks. Even if Caleb Williams plays, how confident should anybody be that — in his first game action since Week 2 — he’s enough to overcome the Bears’ defensive struggles? And without Kyle Monangai again? Pass.
Greg Braggs Jr. (3-2) | Falcons 31, Bears 28
I hate it. My first time picking against the Bears every year is never easy. But this spot has me nervous for many reasons. The biggest one is the Bears defense, which has injuries at all three levels. Never mind how nervous I am for Jaylon Johnson. And for as excited as I am for the return of Caleb Williams, without Kyle Monangai and with a banged-up D’Andre Swift, Williams will not only have to pick up the defense but carry the offense as well. On the road. Short week ahead. Don’t love it.
Joey Christopoulos (3-2) | Falcons 34, Bears 27
Is this the nadir of the Bears season? Packers just ate their lunch, they’re banged up and now they’re on the road against an out-of-division opponent with some lethal offensive weapons. Does Caleb play? Does Ben over-correct to protect him? What is this defense? Too many questions, too much inconsistency.
Stephen Nicholas (2-3) | Bears 24, Falcons 17
Caleb Williams makes his return in triumphant fashion. Next question.
Corey Wootton (2-3) | Bears 28, Falcons 21
Tight one down to the wire. Last drive TD. Iceman is back!
