Patriots Face Bears with Injuries in Week 7 Matchup

The New England Patriots are set to face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night to begin Week 7 of the NFL season, but they will do so with a makeshift offensive line. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced that starting guards Ben Brown and Alijah Vera-Tucker will not play due to injuries sustained in their recent victory over the New York Jets.

The Patriots, currently at 4-2, have won their last three games. However, they will encounter a Bears defense that has recorded 17 sacks this season, including five in their latest win against Atlanta. The Bears are favored by three points, with a majority of bets placed on them since the odds opened.

In terms of player props, Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is expected to be a key target, while Bears running back D'Andre Swift is anticipated to score a touchdown. The Patriots rank sixth in total defense, allowing an average of 300.8 yards per game, just ahead of the Bears. Both teams are dealing with injuries, with the Patriots replacing their injured guards and the Bears missing key players in their lineup.