Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears: TV Schedule, Game Time and More

The Atlanta Falcons, not the Chicago Bears, were expected to make a run to the NFC Championship Game a year ago.

As fortune would have it, the Falcons ran into the eventual Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers while the Bears caught a lucky draw with the Seattle Seahawks stunning the New Orleans Saints.

Instead of the Bears traveling to Atlanta, the Packers tripped up to Chicago and knocked off their NFC North rivals.

The Falcons now enter this season with a chip on their shoulder. The Bears, despite winning the division a year ago, are not even considered the second best team in the NFC North this year.

This Week 1 matchup is a great measuring stick for both teams.

Where: Soldier Field; Chicago, Illinois.

When: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. EST. 

Watch: Locally on FOX affiliates. Direct TV 709.

Listen: Sirius XM: 134 (Falcons), 92 (Bears). Local: Star 94 FM, 790 The Zone (Falcons). WBBM 780 (Bears). 

Betting Line:

Falcons -3.

Atlanta had the best record in the NFC a season ago and warrant giving points on the road in the season opener.

What's At Stake

Wild Card Edge. These two teams enter Week 1 with hefty playoff expectations heaped on their shoulders this season. Atlanta went out and made their ball club better and Bears attempted to do the same.  

The NFC has a number of good football teams and should either of these teams fail to win their division the race for a Wild Card spot will be heavily contested.

Getting an early win against a potential playoff contender is very important.

Falcons' Injury Report

Todd McClure, C - The veteran center has already been ruled out for Week 1 coming off of knee surgery. Joe Hawley expected to start in his place.

Bears' Injury Report

Corey Wooten, DE - The Bears wanted to get more pressure on the quarterback this season but one of their key rotation ends, Wooten, has been out recovering from surgery. He's returned to practice but may still be doubtful for Week 1.

Marion Barber, RB - The new No. 2 back has had an issue with his calf this preseason but is expected to play in Week 1.

Fantasy Start 'Em

Matt Ryan, QB - The Chicago Bears were second in the league in run defense a season ago. The Falcons' running attack was already suffering before McClure's injury and now Ryan is their prime asset. Roddy White and rookie Julio Jones will dominate for Ryan on the outside against the Bears' secondary.

Fantasy Sit 'Em

Michael Turner, RB - Same reasons Matt Ryan is a must-start makes Turner a must-sit. The Falcons' running back will be in trouble without McClure's run blocking skills.

Fantasy Sleeper

Falcons Defense - The Bears still have trouble protecting their quarterback and the Falcons now have two scary defensive ends coming off the edge. John Abraham and Ray Edwards should be able to force Jay Cutler into doing what he is often known best for: turning the ball over.

What They're Saying

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is saying:

Last year, the defense finished ranked fifth in points scored (18), 10th in rushing defense (105.9) and 22nd against the pass (226.6) in the league. The offseason goal was to improve the pass defense and do a better job of stopping teams in third-and-long situations.

The Chicago Sun Times is saying:

Regardless, unless he ends up on the police blotter, Meriweather is the best of the ‘‘free rolls’’ the Bears have taken in training camp. He’s a playmaker and a heavy hitter. And with even more good players in front of him with the Bears—this is just a guess—he might have a bigger margin for error than with the Patriots. 

Falcons' Player to Watch

Julio Jones, WR - The rookie wide receiver has turned a number of heads so far in his NFL career. Jones will see extra opportunities early with teams having to focus extra coverage Roddy White's way. If Jones continues to develop there is no telling how good the rest of this offense can be.

Bears' Player to Watch

Gabe Carimi, OT - Another rookie with big time potential, Carimi's development is hugely important for the Bears' future. Should Carimi adapt to the system quickly enough it will go a long way in keeping quarterback Jay Cutler standing and give Matt Forte a better opportunity to find running room.

Key Matchup

Bears offensive line vs. Falcons pass rush. Everything in the NFL starts up front and if the Bears cannot protect Jay Cutler or give him time to throw his night will end rather quickly. Matt Forte will also need room to run if they are going to keep this Falcons defense honest. If the Bears lose the battle on the line of scrimmage they won't have a chance at winning this game.

On the Hot Seat

Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz. The offensive "genius" never has complete job security. At any given time the coach can go crazy and teams know this. It will interesting to see how he handles his offensive line and what he decides to do with former first round pick, Roy Williams, at wide receiver this year.

Prediction

Falcons 31, Bears 20