Falcons - 2 1/2 at Bears
     
Early money has moved on the Falcons with justification.
     
Atlanta is a serious Super Bowl contender. The Bears won the NFC North Division last year, but they are not in Atlanta's class.
     
The Falcons were very good last year and they've gotten better addressing their pass rushing concerns, improving their secondary and becoming much more explosive with the addition of rookie Julio Jones.
     
The Bears won six of their eight games in which the outcome was decided by a touchdown or less. Three times they got to play against third-string quarterbacks. The Bears won't be as lucky this season.
     
Chicago needs maximum pass protection to execute Mike Martz's offensive schemes. The Bears, though, don't have a good offensive line. The leaks haven't been fixed yet. The Falcons can take advantage with pass rushers John Abraham and Ray Edwards.
     
The Falcons also can take advantage of Chicago's depth-shy secondary with Matt Ryan targeting Roddy White, Jones, slot man Harry Douglas and future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez.
     
The Falcons had a winning straight-up and against the spread mark on grass last season. So they shouldn't be bothered by playing on an off-surface. The Falcons also have covered in their last four road contests.
     
Atlanta is 10-3 ATS in season-openers. Chicago is 3-7 ATS in its Week 1 games.
     
Morale is down on the Bears. Linebacker Lance Briggs, one of their best players, wants out. Center and team leader Olin Kreutz is gone after eight seasons. There still could be lingering resentment about Jay Cutler leaving the NFC title game with a knee injury that had some questioning his toughness.