NFL Week 7 picks: Roundup of expert predictions for Patriots-Bears

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The New England Patriots will host the Chicago Bears on "Monday Night Football" in Week 7 and they might get their starting quarterback, Mac Jones, back in the lineup.

Jones reportedly expects to be ready to play after missing the three previous games with an ankle injury suffered in Week 3. The University of Alabama product was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

If Jones needs one more week to rest the ankle, the Patriots should feel comfortable with Bailey Zappe. The rookie quarterback has started each of the last two games and led the team to wins both times. He played fantastic in Week 6, throwing for 309 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 38-15 road win over the Cleveland Browns.

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But honestly, it doesn't matter who starts at quarterback for the Patriots this week. The Bears just aren't a good football team.

It's hard to envision how the Bears offense keeps up the pace. Chicago ranks 31st in points scored per game, 28th in total yards per game, 29th in first downs, 32nd in passing yards per game and 32nd in passing touchdowns. 

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The Patriots defense shouldn't have much trouble slowing down Bears quarterback Justin Fields and creating a couple turnovers. New England's defense has allowed just 18.8 points per game. 

Which way are experts leaning in this Patriots-Bears matchup? Here's a roundup of Week 7 picks.

Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk: 23-13 Patriots

Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated: Patriots

Bill Bender, Sporting News: 24-15 Patriots

Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: 24-14 Patriots

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 27-7 Patriots

Bleacher Report NFL Staff: 31-13 Patriots

Jeremy Fowler, ESPN: Patriots

Dan Graziano, ESPN: Patriots

David Hill, New York Times: Bears +8

Sheil Kapadia, The Ringer: Patriots -7.5

FiveThirtyEight's model: Patriots have 78 percent chance to win

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