Caleb Williams is slated to return for the Chicago Bears in their Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.. The slate also features an International Series game between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars in London, concluding with a Monday night battle between the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers.
Caleb Williams' return and the 12 deep-ball touchdowns
The Chicago Bears offense is expected to regain its primary playmaker as Caleb Williams returns from a hamstring injury. While a surgeon cautioned against a rushed recovery, the quarterback has dismissed the injury as a topic unworthy of discussion, according to the report.. The return of Caleb Williams is critical for Chicago, as he provides a level of explosiveness that has been missing since Week 3.
The strategic value of Caleb Williams lies in his ability to stretch the field. As reported, the Chicago Bears have recorded 12 passing touchdowns of 20-plus air yards, the highest total in the NFL since the start of 2025.. This deep-threat capability, combined with his mobility, makes him a significant upgrade over the Bears' recent offensive struggles.
The 52-pressure struggle and Atlanta's third-ranked pressure rate
A primary concern for the Chicago Bears is their inability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Despite blitzing at a rate of 39.3 percent—the seventh-highest in the league—the Chicago Bears have generated only 52 pressures, which ranks as the fifth-lowest total in the NFL. This lack of efficiency could be a problem when facing the Atlanta Falcons, though it may simultaneously hinder the Falcons' own quarterback, Michael Penix.
The performance of Michael Penix fluctuates wildly based on pocket stability. When pressured, Penix has the fourth-worst EPA per dropback in the league at minus-0.7, but he jumps to fifth-best with a 0.58 EPA when he has a clean pocket. However, the Atlanta Falcons boast the third-ranked pressure rate in the league, which could severely limit Caleb Williams' abilty to escape the pocket if his hamstring remains a liability.
Both teams are currently dominating the ground game, with the Chicago Bears averaging 173.2 rushing yards per game and the Atlanta Falcons following closely at 166.8. With Atlanta ranking fourth in rushing yards allowed (80.2) and Chicago ranking ninth (96.0), the game may be decided by which team can find a crack in these stout run defenses.
Trevor Lawrence's 11 interceptions against Houston
In London, the Jacksonville Jaguars face a Houston Texans team that has historically dominated their quarterback. Trevor Lawrence has struggled significantly against the Houston Texans, throwing 11 interceptions compared to only eight touchdowns, with a completion percentage of just 57.8 percent. While Lawrence currently leads the NFL in off-target percentage at 8.8 percent, his history with Houston suggests a psychological or tactical hurdle.
The Houston Texans are well-posiioned to exploit a vulnerable Jacksonville Jaguars secondary that has surrendered 608 passing yards on throws of 15-plus yards. C.J. Stroud is one of only two quarterbacks to attempt at least 45 passes of 15-plus yards in 2026, making him a dangerous weapon against a Jaguars defense that has given up the second-most deep yards in the league.
One critical unknown remains the health of the Jacksonville Jaguars' left tackle, who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. with the Houston Texans recording 18 sacks this season, it is unclear if the Jaguars' protection can hold up long enough for Trevor Lawrence to overcome his struggles against Houston.
Huntley's 2-0 record and Baltimore's 55 quarterback hits
The AFC North clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns features a fascinating quarterback dynamic. Browns starter Huntley enters the game with a 2-0 record against the Baltimore Ravens, relying on his ability to extend plays. However, the Baltimore Ravens have been aggressive this season, hitting quarterbacks 55 times, the fifth-most in the league.
Cleveland may find an advantage in the strategic familiarity provided by coach Todd Monken, who has worked with Huntley in both Baltimore and Cleveland. This insider knowledge could help the Browns navigate the Ravens' aggressive defensive front, especially as Baltimore integrates a key defender returning from a two-game absence.
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