Two very evenly matched teams meet in the sportsbook when the Chicago Bears (3-1) visit the Atlanta Falcons (3-1).
Sunday, October 18 at
NFL odds:
The Falcons obviously got some issues sorted out during their bye since they looked fantastic against the Niners last weekend. The 45-10 demolishing showcased a balanced, attacking offense; Michael Turner rolled up 97 yards and three touchdowns before being pulled while Roddy White hauled in eight passes for 210 yards and two scores. Matt Ryan, who looked a little shaky against the Patriots a few weeks ago, bounced back with 329 yards and two touchdown passes. The second-year pro also avoided taking a single sack on the day.
Atlanta’s defense was very active, racking up three sacks, six hits on the quarterback and three takeaways. The run defense, however, remains a serious concern. The Falcons are allowing nearly 130 yards per game on the ground, not to mention a troublesome 4.9 yards per carry. All of it is coming in small gashes, as
That’s something the Bears, coming off a bye, will likely try taking advantage of. Running back Matt Forte, who struggled during the first few weeks, blew up against the Lions, carrying 12 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. Forte will be assisted by Jay Cutler, who has quelled much of the panic in the
Defensively, the Bears have been solid if unspectacular; they’re allowing 19.5 points per game and taking care of business with an excellent pass rush. Two weeks ago, against