Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears
The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears have had this date circled on their calendars ever since the 2017 matchups were announced back in late April. While both teams have vastly different goals heading into this season, they both have the same one for this weekend — walk off the field undefeated.
Don’t be surprised when media around the league decides to pick an Atlanta victory this weekend, as they are definetely the more talented team. With the reigning 2016 NFL MVP and the best wide receiver in football on their team, the Falcons have every right to come into this game as the favorites.
However, on any given Sunday a professional football team can be beaten, especially on the road. That being said, take a look at each team’s keys to victory.
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Falcons Keys to Victory
Get Pressure on Mike Glennon: The Bears announced earlier this week that they will have the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup starting this weekend against Atlanta. While Glennon isn’t a guy who scares you on paper, he can successfully put together a decent game here and there. I don’t expect him to light it up through the air, but the Falcons shouldn’t give him an opportunity to throw with a revamped defensive-line in 2017. If Atlanta gets consistent pressure on Glennon, the game will get out of hand quick.
Protect the Football: If there’s one thing that I have appreciated about Dan Quinn, it’s been how much he’s changed this Falcons team to being “all about the ball”. Matt Ryan and the offense struggled to protect the ball Quinn’s first year in Atlanta, but they rarely put the football on the ground last season, which is a large reason why they made a run to the Super Bowl. That being said, the only way Chicago upsets Atlanta on Sunday is if they get careless with the ball.
Bears Keys to Victory
Get the Running Game Going Early: It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Chicago is counting on Jordan Howard big-time in 2017. They took a chance in the NFL Draft with Mitchell Trubisky, but he won’t be playing on Sunday, which means veteran Mike Glennon will be under center instead. We’ve already mentioned how Glennon isn’t expected to become Peyton Manning, but the Bears have to find ways to move the chains. If Jordan Howard can get going and keep the Falcons offense off the field, things will get very interesting in the Windy City on Sunday.
Force Falcons Turnovers: This point was already mentioned above, but it’s so important that it needs to be mentioned twice. If Chicago can win the turnover battle on Sunday, they will be in position to start their 2017 season 1-0.
Odds
Point Spread: Atlanta -7
Moneyline: Chicago -119, Atlanta +108
Over/Under: 49.5
via Sportsbookreview.com
Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 1
Prediction
Even though any professional football team can be beat on the road, it won’t happen to Dan Quinn’s Falcons this weekend. Seriously though, their last real game was in Super Bowl 51 against the New England Patriots. That being said, the Dirty Birds will do anything it takes to bury the Bears as soon as possible on Sunday afternoon.
The Falcons will get up early, stay up and continue scoring.
Pick: Atlanta Falcons: 31, Chicago Bears: 10