Patriots vs. Bears: Betting Odds, Prediction, Injury Report For Week 7 Game

The New England Patriots (4-2) have found themselves in a tighter-than-expected race in the AFC East, while the Chicago Bears (3-2) have been somewhat of a surprise in the competitive NFC North. The two teams meet Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago in among the more intriguing matchups of Week 7.

The Patriots, who are winless in two road games this season, may find their path to a 10th-straight division title to be less smooth than previous seasons. The Patriots thumped the Miami Dolphins (4-2) in Week 4 but the New York Jets (3-3) are also in contention.

Bill Belichick's squad held off the Houston Texans in the season opener and earned a narrow victory over the surging Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

But the Patriots received a boost with the return of Julian Edelman. The Patriots offense has posted 81 total points over two games with Edelman on the field.

Tom Brady, meanwhile, has not shown signs of slowing down. He is sixth in touchdown passes (13) and has completed 67.8 percent of his passes, his best completion percentage since 2007.

The Bears, who share the same record as the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, will look to rebound from their painful 31-28 overtime loss to the Dolphins. Miami came back from an 11-point deficit in the final 16 minutes of regulation and then converted a 47-yard field goal as time expired.

Chicago appeared poised to extend their three-game winning streak but a fumble by Jordan Howard at the 1-yard line and Mitch Trubisky's interception in the end zone proved too costly to overcome.

Head coach Matt Nagy will hope the Bears limit their mistakes against New England, especially with arguably their best defensive player slowed by an ankle injury.

Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who has remained mum about his injury, missed two days of practice this week. Nagy said the situation is "day-to-day" and Mack is listed as questionable.

Along with Mack, the Bears have listed cornerback Marcus Cooper as doubtful with a hamstring injury, which is a concern since cornerback Bryce Callahan is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Allen Robinson is listed as questionable with a groin injury.

The Patriots have one player out and 10 listed as questionable. Right tackle Marcus Cannon (concussion) will be replaced by LaAdrian Waddle.

Among those listed as questionable are tight ends Rob Gronkowski (ankle/back) and Jacob Hollister (hamstring), as well as wide receivers Josh Gordon (hamstring) and Edelman (heel). Rookie running back Sony Michel is dealing with a knee injury.

On defense, cornerback Eric Rowe has a groin injury. The line will have depth issues with Malcom Brown (knee), Geneo Grissom (ankle), John Simon (shoulder) and Deatrich Wise Jr. (ankle/knee) nursing injuries.

Betting Odds: Patriots by -1.5

Over/Under: 48.5 points

Prediction: Patriots over Bears, 33-21