The Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears meet Sunday in NFL action from Soldier Field. The Falcons are coming off a win over the Colts last weekend, improving Atlanta to 7-8 on the year. As for Chicago, they powered out a win over Arizona in their last matchup to move to 6-9 so far. Let’s get into our Falcons vs. Bears prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Atlanta Falcons 

The Falcons started out the year on a 4-6 clip through 10 games, but have gotten marginally better with a 3-2 run since then. Atlanta has wins over the Saints, Jets and Colts in that time. So far the Falcons are struggling a bit to score with 19.1 points per game on average. The defense is averaging just 19.2 points per game allowed, though. 

Atlanta was able to bag a solid win over the Colts in their last appearance. The Falcons went into the final quarter up 20-10 and held on for the win 29-10. Taylor Heincke posted 229 yards passing with one touchdown, and Bijan Robinson led the rush with 72 yards. Robinson also topped the receivers with 50 yards off seven receptions. 

Atlanta Falcons Team Facts

• The underdogs have won eight of the Falcons’ last 10 games.
• The Falcons have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight Sunday games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Falcons have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five road games.
• The Falcons have lost the first half in each of their last four December games as underdogs.
• The Falcons have lost the first quarter in each of their last five road games following a win.

Chicago Bears

Over on the Bears’ side, they’ve had better luck lately as well with a 3-1 run in their last quartet. Chicago took out the Vikings, Lions and Cardinals in that time and are now averaging 20.9 points per game. The Bears are getting 182.6 yards per game through the air alongside 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. On the ground, Chicago averages 142.1 yards per game with 13 total scores. 

In their latest win over the Cardinals, the Bears took a commanding 21-7 lead into the break. The Bears posted a couple of field goals from there and held on for the win 27-16. Justin Fields put up 170 yards with one score and one interception (and a run score). Khalil Herbert rushed for 112 yards and a TD, while Cole Kmet added four catches for 107 yards. 

Chicago Bears Team Facts

• The Bears have lost seven of their last eight Sunday games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Bears have failed to cover the spread in 12 of their last 13 games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Bears have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five Sunday games.
• The Bears have won the first half in each of their last eight games as home favorites following a win.
• The Bears have lost the first quarter in four of their last five games against teams that held a losing record.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Bears rank 1st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game this season (80.7).
• The Bears rank 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game this season (142.1).
• The Falcons rank 31st in the NFL in average kickoff return (16.9 yards) this season.
• The Falcons rank T3rd in the NFL in forced fumbles this season (16).

ANDREW’S FREE FALCONS VS BEARS PREDICTION 

I’ll probably just stay with the Falcons. Probably staying away from this one as well, though. Atlanta played a pretty solid game versus the Colts in their last outing, bagging 406 total yards (229 passing) and 23 first downs against Indianapolis’ 262 total yards (170 passing). The Falcons have had some real duds on the scoreboard lately (13 or fewer points in two of the last four), but they can score pretty well when the matchup is right. 

As for Chicago, they’ve shown some tenacity during this 3-1 stretch. The Bears have given up 20 or fewer points in each of those matchups and should be able to flex their muscles on defense a bit here. I like the Falcons offense to break out late in the game and push toward a cover, however I could see Chicago asserting their dominance at home as well. It’s a coin flip.