NFL Atlanta FalconsChicago Bears

Bears vs. Falcons: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Bears vs. Falcons: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons Chicago Bears
Mike Dinovo- USA TODAY Sports

The Bears and Falcons meet Sunday at the Georgia Dome. It's a critical game for both teams, as they sit at 2-3 and both are in the midst of two-game losing streaks. The loser of this game is going to take a serious blow to their playoff hopes. So as we approach Sunday, let’s look at five matchups to watch.

5. DE Jared Allen vs. LT Jake Matthews

Jared Allen Chicago Bears v Carolina Panthers
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5. DE Jared Allen vs. LT Jake Matthews

Jared Allen Chicago Bears v Carolina Panthers
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This is a battle of two major acquisitions for each team. Matthews was the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft and the Bears spent major dollars to bring in Jared Allen from Minnesota. The two will square off on Sunday. Allen has yet to record a sack and will be looking to get by the Falcons’ rookie and after Matt Ryan.

4. WR Julio Jones vs. CB Kyle Fuller

Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons v New York Giants
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4. WR Julio Jones vs. CB Kyle Fuller

Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons v New York Giants
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Kyle Fuller has made a splash as a rookie for Chicago, earning defensive rookie of the month honors in September. Sunday will be his hardest task to date trying to contain Julio Jones, who is leading the NFL in receiving yards and is easily one of the top five receivers in the league. If Fuller contains Jones, it will mean great things for Chicago; if Jones goes off, it will be a long day for the Bears and their secondary.

3. Marc Trestman vs. Mike Smith

Mike Smith Atlanta Falcons v Cincinnati Bengals
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3. Marc Trestman vs. Mike Smith

Mike Smith Atlanta Falcons v Cincinnati Bengals
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Mike Smith is working his way towards the hot seat. After a terrible 4-12 season in 2013, the Falcons have stumbled, and if they have another long season, the Falcons will most likely make a change in the offseason. Trestman has been labeled an offensive genius, but his offense has been underperforming this season. The game plans from each coaching staff are a fascinating watch heading into Sunday’s contest.

2. WRs Brandon Marshall & Alshon Jeffery vs. CBs Desmond Trufant & Robert Alford

Brandon Marshall Alshon Jeffery
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2. WRs Brandon Marshall & Alshon Jeffery vs. CBs Desmond Trufant & Robert Alford

Brandon Marshall Alshon Jeffery
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The Bears' biggest strength is their wide receivers. The Falcons' defense has problems, but they have two good young corners in Trufant and Alford. This is a game that is going to be won or lost by the secondary for both teams. How the Falcons’ youthful corners handle the Bears' two big receiving weapons will play a major part in the outcome.

1. Devin Hester vs. Bears' Special Teams Coverage

Devin Hester Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Atlanta Falcons
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1. Devin Hester vs Bears' Special Teams Coverage

Devin Hester Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Atlanta Falcons
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Devin Hester faces his former team for the first time. Hester has been vocal about how he wasn’t happy in Chicago towards the end and didn’t appreciate how the Bears handled his departure. Hester is drooling against the Bears' weak special teams coverage and he’ll be looking to find the end zone. It will be interesting how Hester performs, and if the Bears even kick to him.

Bill Zimmerman is a Chicago Bears writer for www.RantSports.Com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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