The Chicago Bears (3-2) have a chance to get back on track Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons (2-3), and Caleb Williams' return is the boost that Ben Johnson's offense needs.
Chicago is coming off an ugly 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, a game that exposed the limitations of an offense playing without its franchise quarterback. Williams has missed three straight games with a hamstring injury, but he's officially good to go in Atlanta.
The Bears have managed to stay afloat without Williams, going 2-1 during his absence. But there's a difference between surviving with backup quarterbacks and having the offensive firepower to win consistently.
Williams gives Chicago a nuclear arsenal.
Why the Bears should win
This matchup features the NFL's two leading rushing offenses entering Week 6. Chicago averages 173.2 rushing yards per game, while Atlanta averages 166.8. Both teams also rank among the league's top 10 in rushing defense.
With Kyle Monangai ruled out for a second straight game, D'Andre Swift will again carry much of Chicago's rushing workload. But Williams' ability to extend plays and threaten defenses with his legs adds a dimension Johnson lacked against Green Bay.
Atlanta's offense presents serious problems, particularly with Bijan Robinson at running back and Drake London at receiver. Robinson is arguably the league's best offensive weapon. No matter how good the opposing defense is, he's going to make plays.
And Chicago's defense isn't exactly entering this game at full strength.
Montez Sweat is suspended, Dayo Odeyingbo is on injured reserve, and linebacker T.J. Edwards will miss the game with a hamstring injury. Stopping Robinson at full strength would already have been almost impossible.
This probably won't be a defensive masterpiece.
But the Bears have enough offensive talent to win a game where both teams move the ball. If Williams looks comfortable early and Johnson establishes a balanced attack, Chicago should have opportunities to exploit an Atlanta secondary dealing with its own injuries.
Bears vs. Falcons final score prediction
Prediction: Bears win a close one in Atlanta, 30-27.
Expect some rust from Williams after three weeks on the sidelines, but also expect the Bears' offense to look significantly more dangerous than it did against Green Bay.
Atlanta will score points. Robinson is too talented, and Chicago is missing too many key defensive pieces for that to happen.
Still, the Falcons are vulnerable in the secondary, with A.J. Terrell on injured reserve and C.J. Henderson inactive.
Look for Williams to make a couple of critical fourth-quarter plays, putting Chicago in position for a late winning score.
It won't be pretty defensively, but the Bears escape Atlanta at 4-2.
BearsTalk Analytics2026 season
How the players in this story are grading
32.3T.J. Edwards. BTX grade 32.3 out of 100, rank 61 among 79 qualified linebackers.
57.0Montez Sweat. BTX grade 56.95 out of 100, rank 44 among 117 qualified edge rushers.
72.0D'Andre Swift. BTX grade 71.95 out of 100, rank 14 among 74 qualified running backs.
65.5Dayo Odeyingbo. BTX grade 65.5 out of 100, rank 19 among 117 qualified edge rushers.
81.2Kyle Monangai. BTX grade 81.15 out of 100, rank 8 among 74 qualified running backs.
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