The Chicago Bears defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31-23 on Sunday behind Caleb Williams’ 305 passing yards, building a commanding early lead before holding off Atlanta’s fourth-quarter rally. Chicago improved to 4-2 with the Week 6 road victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while the Falcons slipped to 2-4 after making a once-lopsided scoreboard considerably more interesting.
Chicago Builds Its Advantage Early
The Bears took control with a 14-0 first quarter, putting Atlanta in catch-up mode almost immediately. Both teams scored seven points in the second quarter, leaving Chicago ahead 21-7 at halftime. That opening cushion gave the visitors room to withstand a finish that proved much less comfortable than the first three quarters suggested.
Chicago added another seven points in the third quarter while keeping Atlanta scoreless in the period. Entering the fourth, the Bears held a 28-7 advantage. They had outscored the Falcons in two quarters and matched them in another, establishing the foundation for their fourth victory of the regular season.
Falcons Make a Fourth-Quarter Push
Atlanta answered with its strongest stretch, outscoring Chicago 16-3 over the final quarter. The Falcons trimmed a 21-point deficit to the final eight-point margin, turning a comfortable Bears lead into a one-possession result. That distinction matters: eight points can be matched with a touchdown and successful two-point attempt, although Atlanta never completed that comeback.
Chicago’s three fourth-quarter points helped preserve the separation. The Bears did not need overtime, but Atlanta’s late scoring made clear why their early production mattered. This was a win built primarily before the final period, rather than a game-winning drive at the finish.
The supplied game summary does not identify individual turnovers, sacks, red-zone stops, fourth-down conversions or special teams sequences. It also does not establish the order of the fourth-quarter scoring, so no specific final possession or two-minute drill can be credited as the deciding sequence.
Key Performers
- Caleb Williams, Bears: His listed passing line was 30/36, 305 YDS, 1 TD. Williams completed 83.3% of his attempts, providing an efficient passing performance in Chicago’s road win. His interception total was not supplied.
- Luther Burden III, Bears: The receiving leader finished with 8 REC, 95 YDS. Burden averaged nearly 11.9 yards per reception and accounted for a substantial share of Chicago’s passing production.
- Bijan Robinson, Falcons: The rushing leader posted 9 CAR, 61 YDS, averaging approximately 6.8 yards per carry. Rushing and receiving touchdown totals were not included in the supplied leader lines.
NerdSports Stat: Luther Burden III accounted for 31.1% of Caleb Williams’ 305 passing yards, turning eight receptions into 95 yards.
What Comes Next
Chicago returns home to face the New England Patriots on Thursday, October 22, at 5:15 PM PDT. Atlanta hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, October 25, at 10:00 AM PDT. The Bears can build on a winning record in the NFC race, while the Falcons need a response to regain ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago Bears defeated Atlanta Falcons 31-23 on October 18, 2026.
Caleb Williams threw for 305 yards and one touchdown.
No. Chicago won 31-23 in regulation.
Chicago Bears is now 4-2; Atlanta Falcons is 2-4.
Chicago hosts the New England Patriots on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 5:15 PM PDT, looking to build momentum in the NFC playoff race.