Two very evenly matched teams meet in the sportsbook when the Chicago Bears (3-1) visit the Atlanta Falcons (3-1). Atlanta crushed San Francisco 45-10 last week while the Bears are coming off a bye. They're two weeks removed from a 48-24 win over Detroit.

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, October 18 at 8:20 p.m. ET
NFL odds: Atlanta -3

The Falcons obviously got some issues sorted out during their bye since they looked fantastic against the Niners last weekend. The 45-10 demolishing showcased a balanced, attacking offense; Michael Turner rolled up 97 yards and three touchdowns before being pulled while Roddy White hauled in eight passes for 210 yards and two scores. Matt Ryan, who looked a little shaky against the Patriots a few weeks ago, bounced back with 329 yards and two touchdown passes. The second-year pro also avoided taking a single sack on the day.

Atlanta's defense was very active, racking up three sacks, six hits on the quarterback and three takeaways. The run defense, however, remains a serious concern. The Falcons are allowing nearly 130 yards per game on the ground, not to mention a troublesome 4.9 yards per carry. All of it is coming in small gashes, as Atlanta has allowed just two runs of 20 yards or more.

That's something the Bears, coming off a bye, will likely try taking advantage of. Running back Matt Forte, who struggled during the first few weeks, blew up against the Lions, carrying 12 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. Forte will be assisted by Jay Cutler, who has quelled much of the panic in the Chicago area after his disastrous debut against Green Bay. Since that four-interception debacle Cutler has tossed seven touchdowns and just one pick.

Defensively, the Bears have been solid if unspectacular; they're allowing 19.5 points per game and taking care of business with an excellent pass rush. Two weeks ago, against Detroit, the Bears racked up five sacks and two takeaways. Sports betting software shows the rush defense has been especially good, holding opponents to just 93 yards per game.

Atlanta looks like a well-oiled machine after the impressive win over San Francisco but Chicago has a chance to do the same after resting in Week 5. These teams feel very evenly matched but, so far, the Falcons offense has proven more explosive (and the defense hasn't allowed many long runs either). In a close game big plays often decide the victor; in this case, that should be Atlanta. Bet on the Falcons with your sports picks.