Chicago and Atlanta will meet Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT on Fox, each hoping their dominant rushing attacks can offset lingering quarterback questions. The Bears (3‑2) lead the NFL with 173.2 rushing yards per game, while the Falcons (2‑3) sit second at 166.8 yards per game.
Quarterback uncertainty for both clubs
Chicago’s rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to start after returning to full practice following a right‑hamstring strain suffered in the fourth quarter of a 9‑3 loss to Minnesota on Sept. 20. Coach Ben Johnson has not named a definitive starter, noting the depth chart remains under review. In the Bears’ recent loss at Green Bay, backup Tyson Bagent threw two interceptions and was later replaced by veteran Case Keenum, who also turned the ball over.
Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. is slated to start after completing his rehabilitation from a torn left‑knee ACL that ended his 2025 season. Penix missed the first two games of 2026 and returned to lead back‑to‑back victories over Green Bay and New Orleans. He suffered a rib injury in the fourth quarter of last week’s 30‑23 overtime loss to Baltimore, but reported he “made every throw” in Wednesday’s practice and is expected to take the field.
Running games carry the load
The Bears’ ground attack is powered by D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai, who together have amassed 678 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Swift has rushed for 354 yards and four touchdowns, while Monangai contributes 324 yards and three scores. When healthy, Williams also adds a rushing threat, having logged 107 yards and two touchdowns in two games.
Atlanta relies on the dynamic duo of Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson. Bijan leads the league with 580 rushing yards and continues to be a focal point of the Falcons’ offense. The team’s rushing success has helped them rank fourth in rush defense, allowing just 80.4 yards per game, despite a recent 208‑yard total against Baltimore.
Defensive notes and player returns
Chicago will be without defensive end Montez Sweat, who was suspended for two games for a violation of the league’s performance‑enhancing substances policy. Atlanta’s defensive line features Gervon Dexter Sr., who shares the team lead with 20 quarterback pressures, and Brandon Dorlus, also at 20 pressures.
Former Falcon defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, a native of Conyers, Georgia, will return to Atlanta for the first time since his ten‑year stint with the Falcons. Jarrett said the experience is “special” and looks forward to contributing to the Bears’ defense.
Recent performance and odds
Both teams have struggled to win at home this season; the Falcons are 0‑2 at home, while the Bears have a 3‑2 overall record. The latest betting line favors Chicago by 1½ points.
In their most recent meetings, the Bears defeated the Falcons 37‑17 on Dec. 31, 2023, in Chicago, and currently lead the series 16‑14.
Key statistics
- Chicago leads the league in time of possession (35:12 per game).
- Falcons quarterbacks have combined four touchdown passes and seven interceptions this season.
- Bijan Robinson leads the NFL in rushing yards (580).
- Falcons wide receiver Drake London tops the league with 221 yards after the catch.
- Chicago ranks sixth in total offense (392.4 yards per game) and allows an average of 8.4 points in the second half.
Sunday’s showdown will test whether the Bears’ and Falcons’ ground games can carry them past the quarterback carousel and secure a win for their respective fan bases.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
