CHGO Staff Predictions: Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons

The 3-7 Chicago Bears are headed down south to face Marcus Mariota and the 4-6 Atlanta Falcons. Can the defense put enough of a game together to help Justin Fields and end a three-game skid for the Bears? Here’s how we see things playing out …

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Will DeWitt (5-5) — Bears 31, Falcons 24

The Bears will have to finish one of these games against a beatable opponent, right? The Falcons aren’t good, period. They are lackluster at defending the pass and just average against the run too, which means the Bears’ offense should continue to put up points. It will all come down to the Bears’ defense and its ability to limit the Falcons. Atlanta loves to pound the rock just as much as the Bears and they do not want to put the game in Marcus Mariota’s hands. So, that’s exactly what the Bears must find a way to do. I believe the game will be another close one, but this time, the Bears will end up on top. Even though this game is on the “road” the Falcons’ attendance hasn’t been great. Mercedez Benz Stadium has been anything but a hostile environment. In fact, with this being a homecoming for Justin Fields, there’s a strong chance there are more people in the stands rooting for him than against. While he’s in town, Bears GM Ryan Poles should take a moment to thank Ryan Pace for bringing Fields to the Bears. It’s the least he could do. 

Mark Carman (5-5) — Bears 27, Falcons 23

Justin Fields goes back to his childhood home and loses? I think not. The Bears get it together and win on the road for the second time this season led by a banner day for Fields — through the air— Chase Claypool has a big day and Velus Jones plays error-free football. Hey, it’s a start.

Greg Braggs, Jr. (7-3) — Bears 34, Falcons 24

Bears are on the road but Justin Fields returns home to Georgia. I think he’s ready to put on another show for his home state and a Falcons team that passed on him. And I know Fields is itching to make up for that second half interception vs the Lions. No Khalil Herbert doesn’t help but it gives David Montgomery an opportunity to boost his upcoming payday this offseason. We’re at the point where I expect this Bears offense to put up 30 points. Crazy, right? I’m not sure the Falcons offense can top that. Bears win.

Adam Hoge (3-7) — Bears 28, Falcons 24

I have a feeling the Bears will try to lighten Justin Fields’ rushing load this week and try to establish the passing game more, especially with an increase in snaps for Chase Claypool and the loss of Khalil Herbert. There will be some growing pains there, but it shouldn’t slow down the offense too much. The difference in the last two games are a blocked punt TD and a pick-6. If the Bears can avoid coughing up one of those this week, they should be able to beat the Falcons, who struggle on both sides of the ball. 

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Nicholas Moreano (3-7) — Bears 28, Falcons 20

Regardless of what Justin Fields does, he will always have doubters. (Looking at you LeSean McCoy.) That’s fine, because on Sunday, Fields will go back to his home state of Georgia and throw all over the Falcons 32nd-ranked passing defense to help the Bears break their three-game losing streak. 

Carmen Vitali (6-4) — Bears 32, Falcons 23

Though the Falcons have a marginally better record, they have struggled to score points, putting just 15 on the board against the Carolina Panthers last week. The Bears, though their record hasn’t reflected it, have not. They have averaged 31 points per game over the past four games, scoring 30 or more in three of those last four.

Corey Wootton (5-5) — Falcons 28, Bears 24

The Falcons rushing game is too much for this struggling bears defense. The Bears offense continues to play well, but comes out short to Atlanta controlling the time of possession. 

Kevin Kaduk (5-5) — Bears 26, Falcons 17

I’m having weird flashbacks to the last time the Bears played in Atlanta — a furious fourth-quarter comeback led by Nick Foles in 2020. Justin Fields won’t need any similar late heroics as the defense comes up with enough turnovers to get the job done.

Jake Flannigan (5-5)  —  Bears 24, Falcons 20

The Bears silence local pundits and get that valuable experience of winning a close game. Also, the team drops further down for its projected 2023 NFL Draft position. I’m still oddly accepting losses, but will have to choke down the team’s second road win of the season.