New England Patriots week seven matchup preview

The New England Patriots get to play at home on Monday night against the Chicago Bears. Let’s preview this crucial week seven matchup.  All of a sudden, the team has a golden opportunity in front of them to turn their season around.  Their next game is on primetime in week seven against the Chicago Bears.

The Bears are 2-4 and played last Thursday night.  They lost to the Washington Commanders and are in year one of Matt Eberflus as the head coach.  This is going to be a huge game for the Patriots, perhaps more than the previous two.

New England comes into the game on a two game winning streak with Bailey Zappe under center.  The offense has come alive since Zappe has been inserted into the lineup.  He’s got a passer rating of over 100 and has been able to revive the passing attack a bit.

Rhamondre Stevenson has rushed for over 200 yards in the past two games and is going to again get the bulk of the carries with Damien Harris out.  The Patriots may have their work cut out for them on Monday night.  The Bears have the third best passing defense in the NFL.  They’ve had more interceptions than touchdowns.

However, the Bears’ rushing defense is nearly the worst in the league, ranking 31st in the NFL, only behind the Seattle Seahawks.  This may be another big game on the ground for Rhamondre Stevenson, and given the youth and inexperience of Bailey Zappe, the offense might put the ball in the hands of Stevenson more.

On offense, there is little positive to report for the Bears.  Their passing offense is the worst in the NFL, but their rushing attack is the second best.  Their 31st ranked scoring offense isn’t anything to be worried about.

Expect the Patriots to make life hard for Justin Fields through the air, and hopefully they can limit the Bears’ rushing attack, because that’s the only way they can move the ball.  The Bears seem to be well-coached for the most part, but I don’t see how they come away with the victory on Monday night.