NFL Week 6 Game Pick: Chicago Bears At Atlanta Falcons

Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) with the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons both need a victory badly in NFL Week 6.  Which team will come out with one?

Subplots

Devin Hester anxious to send message to former team

There are a number of interesting subplots to this game but most people will be focused on Falcons receiver and kick returner Devin Hester.  After all, he set most of his records with the Bears but was let go this past off-season.  He claims he never received a contract offer.  If true, he is most certainly anxious to show his old team they made a big mistake sending him packing.

Key Matchup

Kyle Fuller against Julio Jones

Julio Jones is back to dominant form for the Atlanta Falcons and it’s a big reason why their offense ranks among the best in the NFL.  The task of covering him will likely fall to rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller.  The Virginia Tech product has had an excellent start to his Chicago Bears career but Jones figures to be his greatest test of the young season.  How Fuller does in at least limiting the Falcons star will be huge towards victory or defeat.

Fantasy Players To Watch

Steven Jackson – RB

The running game for Atlanta really hasn’t been a huge factor for most of 2014.  Steven Jackson is only averaging 3.8 yards per carry and has two touchdowns.  Part of it may be age but also ongoing injuries to the offensive line.  Still, they may have a chance to get on track.  The Bears are dealing with some serious injury problems to their defensive front seven, particularly the linebackers.  Based on recent reports, their top four players at that position could be out for the game.  Atlanta must take advantage.

Brandon Marshall – WR

Bears head coach Marc Trestman was quite blunt about his desires for the offense moving forward.  Among the biggest was making sure the team gets wide receiver Brandon Marshall more involved earlier in games.  Indeed the Pro Bowl veteran has struggled of late, failing to crack 50 yards in a game since Week 1.  An ankle injury had a lot to do with that, but he’s healthy now and eager to get back on track.  Look for Chicago to send some plays his way.

Pick:  CHI 27, ATL 23