Closing Odds & Final Picks for Patriots vs Bears on TNF (Oct 22)
By Ryan Potts in NFL News
Published:
- The Patriots have rattled off three wins in a row after a shaky start
- Caleb Williams’ return to the Chicago lineup has the Bears firing on all cylinders
- Keep reading for my Patriots vs Bears TNF picks
I’m locking in on a pivotal cross-conference clash as the Chicago Bears host the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Kickoff is scheduled for October 22, 2026, at 8:15 PM ET.
Both sides have built solid momentum early in the season, but the narrative heavily favors the visiting Patriots. They bring a red-hot three-game win streak to the Midwest. Meanwhile, Chicago just downed the Falcons in Atlanta (31-23) for their third win in four weeks.
Despite New England’s recent hot streak, the market is pricing the home Bears as the favorite. Let’s dig into this matchup and find the sharpest angles.
Patriots vs Bears Predictions
I’m looking past the traditional moneyline here because the secondary markets offer better value. The Patriots are dealing with mounting injury concerns in the trenches as both guards (Alijah Vera-Tucker (IR) and Ben Brown (out)) are on the injury report. Right tackle Morgan Moses is also questionable with a foot injury.
While Chicago is positioned well to dictate the pace, I prefer attacking the first-half action. I want early action before second-half adjustments take over.
- First-Half Total Pick: Over 24.5 Points (53¢ / -113 via Kalshi)
I am bypassing the full-game markets here and attacking the derivative board instead. The first-half over is my focal point at 53 cents (equal to -113 odds) at Kalshi.
Chicago’s offense is humming, averaging 25.0 points per game while converting an elite 45.5% on third down. Meanwhile, New England has found its rhythm over the last few weeks, putting up at least 14 first-half points in three straight contests and scoring 21 before the break in Week 5.
In pristine weather, both play-callers can open up their air attacks early to exploit worn-out defenses on a short week, making a combined 25 points before the intermission well within reach.
Out of three Williams starts, the Bears have scored 20 points in two first halves. The Patriots have been a bit more sluggish out of the gate, but they have scored at least 14 points in each of their last three first halves.
- First Touchdown Pick: Chicago Bears (59¢ / -144 via Kalshi)
Backing the Bears to strike first at 59¢ is another sharp angle. New England carries a -6 turnover differential and is fielding a banged-up offensive line, having conceded first blood in each of their past two outings.
The Bears have scored first in five of their six games this season. Ben Johnson should have the perfect sequence called for Chicago to get on the board early before Zak Kuhr and the Patriots’ staff can adjust defensively.
The Bears have the NFL’s most potent rushing attack in terms of raw yardage, and they should be able to punch New England in the mouth early and strike for six. The Patriots have a sturdy rush defense (12th in yards allowed per carry), but I would imagine the strength of the unit kicks in after the first drive or two.
TNF Weather Forecast for NE vs CHI
If you are checking NFL weather reports for this Week 7 clash, you will find perfect conditions at Soldier Field. The forecast calls for sunny skies, a comfortable 66°F, 51% humidity, and a mild 3 mph SSE wind.
With zero precipitation and minimal wind expected, the elements will not impact the passing or kicking games. Both units can operate their full playbooks without hesitation. Ultimately, this matchup will come down to execution and coaching schemes, untethered from any environmental interference.
Closing Odds for Patriots vs Bears
Odds in table are Kalshi prices converted to American odds (nearest whole number).
In terms of line movement, the spread remains where it opened – Chicago -2.5 – but the Bears’ price has moved from -115 to -122.
Chicago’s moneyline has shortened from -142 to -150, while New England’s has lengthened from +120 to +144.
The total has risen one point from 49.5 to 50.5 and the over remains the chalk at -108 with the under priced at +104.
Ryan Potts is a veteran football and baseball content creator. He was previously a credentialed NFL media member, covering the draft, combine, and Super Bowl. He has been featured on Atlanta sports talk radio and Arizona student radio. Ryan is a journalism graduate from the University of Arizona.