Chicago Bears Enter Game Against Atlanta Falcons As 3 1/2 Point Dogs

NFL News - October 13th, 2009 - Written by John

It's probably not that Jay Culter feels as if he needs to prove anything to the Chicago Bears. But it would be naive to say that he isn't thumbing through the sports pages in search of news of the Denver Broncos, the team that suddenly could do without him. After shipping the Pro Bowler to the Bears in the blockbuster trade of the summer, Denver is one of five in the NFL still undefeated and his counterpart Kyle Orton has become one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league. Cutler will certainly give the company line about only concerning himself with his own progress, but conventional thinking would suggest that he could certainly use a win this week. The Bears are 3-1 but face a tough test when they travel to Atlanta to meet and impressive Falcons team.

Behind sophomore Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons quietly had one of the most impressive performances in Week Five, blowing out the San Francisco 49ers, 45-10. Roddy White had 210 yards in the game, including a franchise-record 90-yard touchdown score. But to the coaching staff, probably his most impressive play came when he ran down a Niner defender and forced a fumble. After Dre Bly picked off Ryan, the 10-year corner began showboating on the return, sticking the ball out as he did a mock "Prime Time" celebration. Problem was, White was right behind him and whipped the ball out of his grasp to flip-flop possession. The Falcons already led 31-10, but the effort was a clear indication of how good teams play.

They have been effective in their four games, going 3-1 with a lone loss to the Patriots at Foxboro. The Falcons are favored on BetUS Sportsbook by 3 1/2 points with an even payout of -110. But taking the Bears with a moneyline wager could bear fruit, returning +160 on the investment. The over/under is 46.

Both teams have played well, but are stuck behind undefeated teams in the NFL Division Standings.

The Chicago Bears were off last week after they put on a clinic against the Lions in Week Four, scoring a season-high 48 points. The Bears were tied at 21 at halftime, until Matt Forte finally got his season going a late touchdown and finished with 121 yards rushing. They already have impressive wins over Pittsburgh and Green Bay, and if it weren't for a streaking Minnesota Vikings team, would probably be the favorites in the division. After a miserable season-opener, Cutler has recovered nicely over his next three games, only throwing one interception against seven touchdowns. He hasn't topped 300 yards yet, but it only seems like a matter of time after reaching that mark eight times last year.

Ryan has only did in once, last week against San Francisco, and is finally getting some support from the running game. Michael Turner bounced back from a slow start, in which he only scored one touchdown in three games, rushing for 97 yards last week with two scores. Atlanta's leading receiver behind White is new tight end Tony Gonzalez, who has 215 yards and two touchdowns. He is just outside the top-10 in tight end receiving yards.

Check out the rest of the Week 6 NFL Game Previews for all of this Sunday's games.

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