Falcons vs. Bears Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Justin Fields, Bears Put Up Points?
The Falcons are in Chicago taking on the Bears in NFL Week 17. Can Justin Fields and the Bears put up points? Jason Radowitz shares his Falcons vs. Bears prediction and pick.
Jason Radowitz - December 27, 2023, 1:52 PM EST
5 minFalcons vs. Bears Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Justin Fields, Bears Put Up Points?
Although the Falcons are just 7-8 on the season, Atlanta is still in the race for the NFC South. They'll have to win both of their next two games and would need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to hold the same record as them after the next two weeks.
The Falcons play the other NFC South squad in the race next week. That's the Saints.
So there's a chance.
Meanwhile, the Bears have no chance of making the playoffs. But they've got a bright future with a top pick in the NFL Draft in 2024, thanks to Carolina.
Chicago needs to figure out if it wants to draft a quarterback or roll with Justin Fields and get help around him. Fields and the Bears have won three of their last four games, ultimately proving that Fields could be the franchise quarterback.
A win against the Falcons at home would only help Fields' stock heading into 2024.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears.
Falcons vs. Bears Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 31, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Falcons vs. Bears Odds
- Spread: Falcons +3 (-110), Bears -3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 38 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Falcons (+135), Bears (-160)
Falcons vs. Bears Injury Report
Falcons
Questionable: OT Kaleb McGary (Knee), OT Jake Matthews (Knee)
Out: FB Kevin Smith (Knee), DL Kenavius Street (Shoulder)
Bears
Questionable: TE Cole Kmet (Knee), WR Equanimeous St. Brown (Pectoral), LB Noah Sewell (Knee), OT Teven Jenkins (Concussion)
Out: DE Yannick Ngakoue (Ankle)
Falcons vs. Bears Prediction
The Atlanta Falcons have only allowed 17 points in their last eight quarters. They've also allowed no more than 15 points in four of their previous five games.
Still, the Falcons are sitting at 7-8 on the season because of an inept offense that scored only 19.13 points per game.
However, last week, the Falcons made the change at quarterback, promoting Taylor Heinicke as the starter. Heinicke led the Falcons to a 29-10 win over the Colts after he threw for 229 yards with one touchdown and no interception.
The running game was unstoppable, with Atlanta's trio of running backs averaging 5.9 yards a carry. Bijan Robinson led the team in carries and yards. However, Tyler Allgeier added 7.7 yards per carry with nine attempts.
Cordarrelle Paterson added seven carries for 26 yards.
But while the running game was efficient, the passing game wasn't. Drake London and Kyle Pitts each earned just three catches and four targets. Henicke just kept going to Bijan Robinson, which was good to see. But it also makes you question why Robinson didn't play much last week.
The Falcons are unpredictable. The coaching staff has made some really questionable calls. However, the offense has enough talent to score consistently, especially with Heinicke at quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Falcons have had an above-average defense this year. But heading into Week 17, it's really only the run defense that has made plays. The passing defense for the Falcons is starting to fall off. Yes, the Falcons have given up only 197.53 yards per game in the air.
But the pass rush isn't super effective. If you give Justin Fields time against Atlanta's below-average secondary, he'll make plays.
Therefore, I'll take the Over 38. I don't see why both teams can't score in the 20's.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears Pick
- Over 38 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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