The New England Patriots are back on national television Thursday night, visiting the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The game is a high-profile matchup between two members of the famed 2024 quarterback class and two teams with identical 4-2 records.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Patriots are considered 3-point underdogs entering the game. But will they prove the punters wrong? Or will the Bears manage to defend their home field? Let’s find out what the Pats Pulpit staff and community think.
Patriots vs. Bears Score Predictions
Bernd Buchmasser: Short weeks like this focus on fundamentals and the ability to make adjustments on the fly. Unfortunately for the Patriots, their adjustments include drafting a third player at left guard and a fourth player at right guard. If New England plans smart on this one, Drake Maye and company should still be able to move the ball; the Bears don’t have the personnel to systematically take advantage of this potential mismatch. On the other side of the ball, Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense may be held back by their RB2 Kyle Monangai and LT Braxton Jones, but they have plenty of talent in all areas. Unless Zak Kuhr finds a way to get through the O-line consistently, the Bears also have the means to achieve some success in what should be a closely contested affair decided by a mistake or two. | Patriots 28, Bears 31
Matt Saint-Jean: It’s a real shame that a battle between some of the most interesting teams in football and so little familiarity with each other ended in a short week, as I’d like to see what it could look like with more preparation time. Maybe we’ll know in a few months. With the Patriots so banged up on the offensive line, I think it’s just enough to give the Bears the edge in what I expect to be a chaotic, high-scoring affair. | Patriots 28, Bears 30
Pat Lane: I think it’s a close game that will be a back-and-forth affair. Whichever team has the ball last could be the one to win, and in this prediction, it’s the Patriots. The Bears are healthier and the Patriots are more injured than ever, but I think Kyle Monangai’s absence is huge, and the Bears defense is weak enough that I think the Patriots will be able to score, even with all the injuries | Patriots 31, Bears 30
Dylan Klayman: This game will be somewhat of a shootout. With injuries on both sides and the week being short, I think we’re in for a chaotic game. The Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams matchup will provide juice for both offenses in this one. But since the Bears defense is behind the Patriots defense, I give a slight advantage to New England. | Patriots 28, Bears 24
André Guindon: I think this match will be decided in the final minutes of regulation. Both teams will likely play sloppy football in a short week, but I think the Bears improved enough defensively from last season to help them win this game. While Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse helped Corey Kiner close out the game against the Jets, Chicago’s defensive coaches had time to plan and exploit the Patriots’ injuries. New England will move the ball through the air, and I think AJ Brown will overcome his drop issues; However, outside of Kyle Monangai’s injury, a healthy Bears offense with Caleb Williams could be enough to beat Maye and Co. | Patriots 28, Bears 27
What do you think? Do you agree with our assessment? Or do you feel differently in some way? Please head to the comments section to share your thoughts with the rest of the community..
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