Falcons take on Bears in battle of NFC heavyweights
Last meeting: Given only 6 seconds to work with, Matt Ryan connected with Michael Jenkins on a 26-yard pass to set up Jason Elam's winning 48-yard field goal as Atlanta stunned Chicago, 22-20.
Streaks: The Bears have won eight of the last 10 and have a 12-11 overall series edge.
Last week: Atlanta went into San Francisco and handed the 49ers a 45-10 loss. ... The Bears were on a bye.
Keep your eye on ...
Roddy White's run after the catch: Chicago has struggled to contain opponent's top receivers this season and White is coming off his best game of the year. The Falcons are likely to challenge a vulnerable Bears secondary by getting the ball to White on a variety of patterns.
Mike Peterson's steadying hand: The middle linebacker has settled down a young defense with his veteran leadership and he seems rejuvenated after a tough 2008 season in Jacksonville. He already has 30 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception this year. He will be responsible for making sure Atlanta follows its assignments and slows down Bears RB Matt Forte.
Jay Cutler's swagger: The Georgia Dome is a tough place to play and the Falcons' offense is especially potent on its home turf. The Bears may need to score a decent amount of points and Cutler's seemingly unbreakable confidence could come into play if Chicago gets into the previously uncomfortable position of trying to win a shootout.
Did you know?
Jay Cutler is the first Bears quarterback since 1970 to post a 100-plus passer rating in three straight games. ... Rookie WR/KR Johnny Knox is looking for his fourth straight game with a touchdown for the Bears. ... The Falcons are 8-0 at home when QB Matt Ryan posts a 100-plus passer rating. ... Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez has a catch in 135 straight games.
THE RULES
Make a final score prediction in the comments. The pick must be unique, so check previous posts before you place yours. Entries must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM Pacific Time (8:00 PM Eastern) on game day to count.
The winner is the person whose final score is closest to the actual score of the game, with the correct winning team. Winners will receive three leader board points.
Mathematical ties are possible, so ties on scores get all players involved in the tie two leader board points.
Runners up who select the correct winning team will each receive one leader board point.
