Week 6 · 2026
Bears Turn Atlanta’s Mistakes Into a 31-23 Road Win
Chicago Bears 31 at Atlanta Falcons 23
A Fast Opening Answer
On Chicago’s first snap in Atlanta, Caleb Williams found Colston Loveland for 16 yards. The quick pass showed the Bears were ready to answer after their rough loss at Green Bay. They needed a strong start, and they built one on their first drive. Roschon Johnson then gained 12 yards after a lateral, a backward pass that another player can run with. That play helped set up Loveland’s 14-yard touchdown catch. Chicago led 7-0, and its fast attack had put Atlanta on its heels.
Mistakes Change the Game
The Bears kept moving. Williams threw a 23-yard pass to Rome Odunze and a 25-yard pass to Luther Burden III. D’Andre Swift finished that march by powering in from 4 yards out. Chicago led 14-0 while its defense made Atlanta work for every drive. Atlanta found a response when Michael Penix Jr. connected with Drake London for 39 yards and Jahan Dotson for a touchdown. But before halftime, returner Zachariah Branch muffed a punt, meaning he lost control of the kick. Chicago recovered at Atlanta’s 10-yard line, and Swift scored again two plays later. That mistake gave the Bears a 21-7 lead.
The Final Defensive Stand
Chicago’s strategy stayed sharp after halftime. Williams led a 69-yard drive with key throws to Burden and Johnson, who scored on a 4-yard run. Then Branch lost control of the next kickoff, giving Chicago another short field. Cairo Santos made a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter for a 31-7 lead. Atlanta still made the ending tense. Penix threw two touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts Sr., and both two-point passes worked. With 5:41 left, Atlanta trailed 31-23. After Johnson lost the ball, Penix had another chance, but Kyler Gordon sacked him and forced a fumble. Devin Bush recovered it, and Chicago ran out the clock. Williams finished with 305 passing yards and no interceptions as the Bears improved to 4-2.