Not a single Bills, Dolphins or Jets lost in Week 7. Now it’s up to the Patriots to keep the AFC East’s hot streak alive. After back-to-back wins over the Lions and Browns, both with rookie Bailey Zappe under center in place of the injured Mac Jones, New England hosts the Bears for a chance to get over .500. Jones was back in action for the first time since suffering a sprained ankle against the Ravens in Week 3, but was replaced by Zappe in the second quarter after struggling in the first quarter.
This may be a great opportunity for Justin Fields to prove himself in prime time, with Matt Eberflus’ Bears “D” presenting a potential challenge to Jones in his opener. Chants for Zappe’s return to the lineup might not be far off if the Pats’ own offense struggles out of the gate. But maybe Belichick is destined to keep the Patriots in the AFC East race simply by keeping the pressure on Fields. Either way, this one should be good, and it will have implications for the scorching Bills and Jets.
Stay tuned here for live updates and analysis throughout the game.
How to watch
Date: Monday, October 24 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)
TV: ESP | Flow: fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports app
Odds: Patriots -7.5, O/U 40 (courtesy Caesars Sportsbook)
