Patriots-Bears Week 8 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) -- The 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV Sports teams make their predictions for Sunday's Patriots-Bears tilt at Gillette Stadium
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Bears are who we think they are.
I don't term this as a get-through game. It's an opponent the Patriots really don't know well. I think the Patriots will settle in nicely in the first half and get out to a quick start. I look for Brandon Browner to have a big game against Alshon Jeffery.
Patriots 31, Bears 20
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Bears are a team in disarray, and I don't know what they're going to be like locker room-wise in this one.
The start is important. If Chicago can get something positive, that is big for them given all the turmoil around them.
I think the Patriots will get Dan Connolly and Bryan Stork back, and will get back to running the football.
Patriots 27, Bears 18
Rob Hardy Poole, 98.5 The Sports Hub
It's a shame Chandler Jones is out, because Jay Cutler is the kind of quarterback you want to get after. But once again, Patriots fans will be disappointed with the lack of pressure on the quarterback. That should allow for a fair number of points for Chicago.
The Patriots will still come out on top, but it will be tighter than a lot of people expect.
Patriots 24, Bears 22 (with four total safeties between the two teams)
Jon Wallach, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots have looked really good the last couple of weeks, and the Bears couldn't have looked worse last Sunday losing to Miami.
The Patriots are on a roll and the Bears look like they're imploding, but I don't think this is going to be a blowout, at least not the way everyone else thinks it's going to be. The Bears have too many offensive weapons, and if Jay Cutler has an average game, they should have enough to stay in it for a while.
But the Patriots have the better team, and should come out on top again.
Patriots 31, Bears 17
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
When you're dysfunctional and desperate, you tend to be dangerous. Those are the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots should win this game, but the Bears may keep it close. But when they're at home, don't bet the Patriots.
Patriots 32, Bears 14
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
The Bears seem to be having all kinds of issues - however they still have lots of talent to be nervous about, especially on offense.
With that said, the Patriots offense has put up 107 points in the last 3 games. I expect that trend to continue.
The Pats D is badly banged up, and the Bears would be wise to use Matt Forte -- a lot! But even with injuries on that side of the ball, I still think the Pats win on Sunday.
Patriots 34, Bears 21
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
I have to be honest. When looking ahead in the beginning of the season, I penciled this game in as a loss for the Patriots. The Bears have a ton of talent and I thought Jay Cutler would finally turn the corner and be one of the game best arms. I was wrong.
Cutler is once again Cutler, so it's hard to count on him. The Bears need this game and they should be able to run the ball with Matt Forte. But with that being said, because of their depth at wide receiver, the Pats may let them run the ball. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett will give the New England defensive back field fits, so the Pats will likely drop eight back in coverage and take their chances stopping the run. That should be a solid plan.
New England starts a stretch of six games where they basically have to get the easier ones. This game on Sunday will be considered one of the easier ones. The Pats will be able to pass the ball against this Bears defense and put up points. Ball security is usually an issue when playing Chicago, but without Charles Tillman in the house, the Pats may be able to run freely. Jared Allen is good, but not what he used to be.
This was supposed to be a tough game for the Pats but after watching the Bears start their meltdown last week, it may be just a formality.
Patriots 30, Bears 17
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