On paper, we match up very well against these Chicago Bears, what with their average secondary, struggling ground game and so forth. Of course, on paper I can draw myself sinking a battleship with a karate chop. That doesn't mean it's going to happen.
The Falcons will have to play like they did last week, smart and aggressive and with gritted teeth, in order to beat the Bears. Jay Cutler is the single biggest threat on either side of the ball, as he'll be looking to hook up on long touchdown passes and put us on our heels. This win would catapult us to 4-1 and if the Saints oblige us by losing, we'd be tied for the divisional lead. I think it's fair to call this a critical win.
Keep it lively in the game thread, and hopefully I'll see you there. Here's to a great game!
What? Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears, 8:20 p.m. EST
Where? Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Weather? Who cares? You have a roof over your head. Be grateful.
Fun Fact? Even though you already know this, it doesn't get much more fun than knowing the Bears were on the other end of our epic win last year in Chicago. Oh, it cheers me just to think of it.
Injuries? Jason Elam and Antoine Harris have struggled with injuries, but I expect Elam to play. Ovie Mughelli is a game-time decision (I wrote this earlier in the week, so I apologize if he's not), so there's that. The Bears could be without a few key defenders, including LB Hunter Hillenmeyer. Keep an eye on the injury report, which you can find here.
Odds? Atlanta over Chicago 3.5, O/U 45.5
Foe? Be sure to visit our friends over at Windy City Gridiron. They'll be talking Bears all day and hopefully cursing us out for beating them.
GO FALCONS! Let's maul these bears!