The Chicago Bears head to Atlanta in Week 6 looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss in Week 5. With Caleb Williams potentially returning from a hamstring injury, the Bears have an opportunity to get their offense back on track against a Falcons team coming off a tough loss of its own. However, Chicago will need more than a healthy quarterback to leave Atlanta with a victory.
From Williams’ potential return to the matchup between Chicago’s secondary and Atlanta’s high-powered offense, several factors could determine the outcome. Here are five things to watch as the Bears take on the Falcons in Week 6.
How Does Caleb Williams Look?
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This is the big one. Williams was a full participant in practice this week, which is an encouraging sign that he could return to the field Sunday. However, how healthy will he look?
More importantly, will Williams show any signs of limitation? While his return would provide a major boost, lingering effects from his hamstring injury could limit his mobility and playmaking ability.
Which Chicago WR Will Set Themselves Apart?
The Bears’ wide receivers are brimming with potential and have shown they can make big plays. However, Chicago has yet to establish a clear-cut WR1.
Can one of these receivers change that Sunday against a banged-up Falcons secondary? If so, who will step up and become Williams’ go-to target?
Can Ben Johnson Replicate the Ravens’ Rushing Attack?
The Falcons’ defense had been stout against the run until the Baltimore Ravens came to town. Baltimore ran the ball effectively in a way few teams had managed to that point. Can Bears head coach Ben Johnson get his running backs going like the Ravens did?
D’Andre Swift isn’t Derrick Henry, but he is more than capable of putting together a big day. Plus, Sunday’s game will serve as a homecoming for Swift, who played his college football at Georgia.
Will the Home Offense Go to a Silent Count?
Bears fans will likely flock to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. When opposing fan bases have taken over Atlanta in the past, the Falcons’ offense has had to resort to a silent count. Steelers Nation created that kind of atmosphere in 2024.
Can Chicago’s faithful do the same? It would be a glorious sight for Bears fans and could give the visiting team a significant presence in Atlanta.
Can the Bears’ Secondary Stay Afloat?
Chicago’s secondary has delivered three strong performances but struggled mightily in two others. Which version of the Bears’ defense will show up Sunday against a high-powered Falcons offense?
This matchup could be one of the biggest factors in determining the outcome, outside of quarterback play. If the secondary struggles to contain Atlanta’s playmakers, the Bears could find themselves in another difficult afternoon.
More on the Chicago Bears
- Can a Banged-Up Bears Defense Slow Bijan Robinson?
- Bears QB Caleb Williams Officially to Return in Week 6 at Falcons
- Here’s What Should Scare the Chicago Bears About the Atlanta Falcons
- 6 Make-or-Break Players Who Will Decide Whether the Bears Leave Atlanta With a Week 6 Win
