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Oct 16, 2026 2:00 PM
The Atlanta Falcons face the Chicago Bears as Michael Penix Jr. and Caleb Williams return at quarterback. Following an overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta must improve its rushing attack, pressure Williams and find offensive consistency to stay competitive in the NFC South.
The Atlanta Falcons will look to move to 500 after a devastating overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past week.
The team will look to get right against the Chicago Bears, both teams that will return their quarterback. On this week's Falcons Roundtable, the staff discussed the importance of the new-looking offense as well as what it takes to be competitive inside the NFC South.
It appears that Michael Penix Jr. will play against the Bears on Sunday. After losing last week in overtime without him, how important is he to this offense?
Michael Brauner: If there's one thing clear for Atlanta over the first five games, it's how critical Penix is to this team having success. Whether that is more of a statement about Penix himself or the other quarterbacks on the team is not relevant, because for this 2026 team, they need Penix on the field to have any chance to win.
Christian Rauh: We've seen this offense without him, and we've seen it with him. There's a drastic change between those two, so I think he's very critical if they want success this season.
The Bears will also have a quarterback returning in Caleb Williams. How should the defense attack him in his return?
Michael Brauner: Williams has missed three games and will undoubtedly have some rust. If Atlanta can expose that and force an early errant throw and turnover, it would go a long way towards helping them win this football game.
Christian Rauh: Williams was starting to gel at the end of last season with new head coach Ben Johnson. He hasn't really had the opportunity to do that this year with the injuries. If he comes back healthy, it'll be interesting to see if it's still a match made in heaven.
What is one thing you'd like to see improve from the Falcons' team following this matchup?
Michael Brauner: The Falcons simply have to run the ball and stop the run to win football games. They didn't do it against the Ravens, and if they don't do it against Chicago, they won't win.
Christian Rauh: I'm still looking to see the tight end game get more usage.
What is one position battle the Falcons must win to beat Ben Johnson and the Bears?
Michael Brauner: Atlanta has to have the better defense on the field this week. The Bears have the major quarterback advantage, and if the Falcons get shredded by Williams or on the ground, they'll have a tough time.
Christian Rauh: Williams is a different quarterback when he is pressured and gets pushed outside the pocket. Atlanta's pass rush has to be epic.
Score prediction for Sunday against Chicago?
Michael Brauner: Bears 34, Falcons 27
Christian Rauh: Falcons 28, Bears 24
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