The 2017 NFL season got underway on Sunday afternoon with a slew of football games being played. One of those featured the Atlanta Falcons visiting the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Falcons were able to come away with a six-point win thanks to Matt Ryan, although their offense hasn't seemed to find its groove just yet. As for the Chicago Bears, one of their rookies impressed as the team tries to put together a better season than last. Here's today's Atlanta vs. Chicago game recap including stats, top performers, an early standings update, and what's next for the teams.

NFL game recap

Atlanta was able to jump out to just a three-point lead after one quarter on a field goal and added a touchdown in the second quarter. However, Chicago scored 10 of their own including a Jordan Howard rushing touchdown to make it a 10-10 game at the half. Atlanta came out again in the third with a field goal before outscoring Chicago 10-7 in the final quarter.

The two teams had about the same time of possession in today's game with the Atlanta Falcons holding the ball for 30:34 compared to 29:26 for the Bears. However, Matt Ryan made more of it with his 308 passing yards compared to just 176 for the Bears' Mike Glennon. Ryan found Austin Hooper on an 88-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.

Ryan finished the day with 321 yards and a touchdown on 21-for-30 passing. Austin Hooper racked up 128 yards and a touchdown on two catches thanks to the 88-yard play, while Julio Jones was targeted five times and ended up with four catches for 66 yards.

The Chicago Bears received a four-yard touchdown in the second quarter from last year's No.

2 rusher in the league Jordan Howard. Rookie Tarik Cohen also looked good as he scored on a 19-yard pass from Mike Glennon in the final quarter. Cohen finished with 66 yards rushing on five carries as well as 47 yards and the TD on eight catches. Quarterback Mike Glennon went 26-for-40, finishing with 213 yards and the one touchdown pass for the Bears.

Standings & what's next

The Chicago Bears start their 2017 season at 0-1, which may not come as a major surprise to most fans. The team gets a chance to bounce back in Week 2 when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

Today's victory gives the Atlanta Falcons a 1-0 start for their latest season. The team will look to make it two straight as they host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC.
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