New England Patriots vs Chicago Bears preview, odds, prediction, live stream Week 7
The New England Patriots will look to keep their winning streak going as they pay a rare visit to the Chicago Bears.
The New England Patriots further proved they aren’t going anywhere last week. The Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in an exciting game in Week 6, pushing their record to 4-2 on the season. This week, the Patriots will face another up-and-coming team.
In Week 7, New England hits the road to face off with the Chicago Bears. This is an intriguing intra-conference matchup, as the Bears are one of the more surprising teams in the NFL this season.
Chicago made waves prior to the regular season by acquiring Khalil Mack in a trade with the Oakland Raiders. Mack has proven to be worth the draft picks and mega contract, as he has been dominant as a pass rusher.
Mack has been a terror as a pass rusher, compiling five sacks with four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception. You can be sure that Bill Belichick and company will gameplan a way to keep Mack as far away from Brady as possible.
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That will not be an easy task. It becomes even more difficult as one of the Patriots difference makers offensively, Rob Gronkowski, is unlikely to play.
The all-world tight end did not travel with the team to Chicago. While an official announcement has not been, Gronkowski is all but ruled out at this point.
Without Gronkowski, the Patriots’ offensive schemes will be altered. Dwayne Allen and Jacob Hollister will be relied upon at tight end. Expect the Patriots to open things up a little more with three and four wide receiver sets. James White could also be flexed outside more as well.
Spreading the field in that fashion will also help get the ball out of Brady’s hands quickly, negating the Bears pass rush.
TV and Live Stream Info
Date: October 21st, 2018
Start time: 1 PM ET
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stadium: Soldier Field
TV Info: CBS with Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
Live Stream: FuboTV
Some people may be surprised to see the Patriots as small favorites, especially after each team’s respective performances last week. The Bears came up short in a road game against the Dolphins, while the Patriots won a shootout with the Chiefs. However, with the Patriots road woes and Bears impressive performances at home, this line is right in line.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Patriots -3
Moneyline: Patriots -125 up to -130, Dolphins +240 up to +255
Over/Under: 48.5
This will be one of the more entertaining games of Week 7. Both teams are in first place in their divisions as the Patriots are showing they aren’t going anywhere and the Bears want to prove their legitimacy. The Bears will fight hard, but they will fall short as they are sorely outmatched at the quarterback position, which will prove to be the difference.
dark. Next. Patriots: 4 Takeaways vs Chiefs in Week 6
Prediction: Patriots 24, Bears 20