Five bold predictions as the Patriots play Chicago on Monday night

Another week of going 3-2 with my five bold predictions that I was hoping could at least go 4-1 but that’s how it goes sometimes. Rhamondre Stevenson had a good day with two rushing touchdowns but was held under 100 yards. The Patriots finally dusted off Hunter Henry and what do you know, he found pay dirt. The maligned rush defense held Nick Chubb under 100 yards although Ja’Whaun Bentley didn’t quite have the impact I thought he would. Finally, it was indeed Bailey Zappe who got the start and performed well, racking up over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns.

As the Patriots go for their third victory in a row on Monday, it is still unclear who may start at quarterback. Mac Jones is one of 12 Patriots listed as questionable, but reports point to him getting the nod. Here are my five bold predictions for what might happen during the game on Monday night.

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week seven

Patriots defense registers at least 3 sacks

Even though Matthew Judon was held without a sack for the first time this season, the Patriots defense was able to register four sacks of Cleveland quarterback Jacoby Brissett last week. That ups the season total to 17 sacks after six weeks. While Judon gets most of recognition due to being second in the NFL with six sacks, Deatrich Wise has been a huge reason for the increased success of the defense so far this season. Wise added a sack last week to increase his total to five for the season, matching a career-high set during his rookie season of 2017.

This week they get a Bears offense that has not been good at all through six weeks. Chicago ranks 31st in points, 32nd in passing yards and 27th in turnovers. The receivers have not been good at creating separation and for as well as the offensive line has done run blocking, they have been just as bad in pass protection. Quarterback Justin Fields has been sacked a league-leading 23 times this year and I see that number going up on Monday.