The Chicago Bears will battle the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, where Chicago is looking to win their second straight game coming off a short week.
The Bears got massive boosts from the returns of quarterback Caleb Williams and cornerback Kyler Gordon, who were the biggest stars of this game. While the Bears defense was missing three key starters in Montez Sweat, T.J. Edwards and Tyrique Stevenson, they allowed just seven points going into the fourth quarter before starters were pulled and the Falcons mounted a comeback that fell just short. Despite a rough fourth quarter all around, Chicago was able to hang on for their fourth win of the season. Now, the Bears will face a tall order against the defending AFC Champion Patriots,
who boast talent on all phases.
Can Chicago extend their win streak in the first of three consecutive prime-time games? The Bears have an opportunity to make a statement against the Patriots in Week 7 and get Caleb Williams his first Thursday night win in the NFL.
Bears vs. Patriots odds, money line, over/under
Bears vs. Patriots predictions, picks for Week 7
Alyssa Barbieri
Bears 34, Patriots 30: It's never ideal to play on Thursday night with the short week, but it might play into the Bears' favor with the Patriots dealing with some injuries along the offensive line. Still, the recipe for success for Chicago remains dominating the time of possession and keeping the opposing offense off the field. If the Bears can do that, they'll come away with their fifth win of the season and Caleb Williams' first on Thursday night in the NFL.
Bold prediction: Kyler Gordon notches another sack, forced fumble
Brendan Sugrue
Bears 28, Patriots 21: I expect both teams to trade blows with no clear winner being decided late. And if it’s one thing Ben Johnson knows, it’s how to get his team prepared in a short week (5-1 lifetime as Bears head coach). The Bears take advantage of Patriot injuries to stay ahead at home and enter the mini bye at 5-2 and in prime playoff position.
Bold prediction: D’Andre Swift scores multiple touchdowns
Mike Pendleton
Bears 42, Patriots 31: The Patriots will be looking to carry their momentum from the last few weeks, but if Ben Johnson continues to dominate time of possession, the Bears will get plenty of opportunities for quarterback Caleb Williams to make big plays. With Soldier Field roaring behind him in his first game back home since his injury, Williams should have a great night through the air. I’m predicting another offensive blowout, this one that’ll see 6 touchdowns scored on the Bears side.
Bold prediction: Caleb Williams throws four TDs
Watch Bears vs. Patriots on Prime (free trial)
Vincent Parise
Bears 30, Patriots 28: Both teams are likely going to be efficient against the opposing defense, as each of them have the potential to put up big numbers on any given game day. Under the lights of Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football, expect big numbers. With the home crowd on their side, the Bears are going to do just enough to earn a victory over the Patriots, with it coming down to the wire. After going to 5-2, they will have a mini-bye to prepare for the defending Super Bowl Champions.
Bold prediction: Caleb Williams and Drake Maye both throw for 250+ yards
Ariana Pensy
Bears 30, Patriots 24: What should also help the Bears is how they are able to control time of possession. It does not seem bold on the surface to say Chicago is going to have the ball over at least 40 minutes given they have done that twice in the past three weeks. However, the Patriots have possessed the ball for at least 27 minutes in every game this season and have not possessed the ball for less than 20 minutes since December of 2024. That is what makes this prediction bold.
Bold prediction: Chicago will possess the ball for at least 40 minutes
Randy Holt
Bears 34, Patriots 20: With Caleb Williams & Kyler Gordon each back in the mix, this team feels like it’s in a very good place on each side of the ball. Unlike a couple of weeks ago where I picked them against Green Bay with plenty of apprehension, I feel quite good about what this team can accomplish against an upper tier AFC team at home on Thursday night.
Bold prediction: Bears’ defense records at least 3 sacks and forces at least 2 turnovers.
Bears-Patriots injury reports
Bears vs. Patriots time, TV channel today
- Kickoff time: 7:15 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: Prime
- How to watch online: Amazon Prime (here's how to stream it live)
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Patriots predictions, picks, odds: Who wins Week 7 NFL game?
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