The Chicago Bears face the New England Patriots in Week 7, giving fantasy football managers some important decisions to make before setting their lineups. With several Bears players capable of making an impact, identifying the best matchups could be the difference between winning and losing this week. Colston Loveland and the Bears’ defense stand out as potential fantasy options, while other key contributors could struggle to produce consistent numbers.
Not every Bears player deserves a spot in your starting lineup, however. Rome Odunze faces a potentially difficult matchup in the passing game, while D’Andre Swift could have trouble finding running room against a New England defense prepared to limit Chicago’s ground attack. Here’s which Bears players to start or sit in Week 7 against the Patriots.
START: Colston Loveland
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Loveland has some favorable matchups he can exploit this week. New England’s off-ball linebackers have struggled in coverage, and the Patriots will likely focus on containing Chicago’s other offensive weapons.
That could create opportunities for Loveland to make plays over the middle and become a reliable target in the passing game. Expect the rookie tight end to see plenty of opportunities against New England.
SIT: Rome Odunze
Odunze hasn’t been bad this season, but he hasn’t made the significant strides the Bears hoped to see. This week, he could face bracket coverage or even draw a matchup against Christian Gonzalez, which would make his path to a productive fantasy performance more difficult.
Odunze still has the talent to make plays, but the matchup could limit his opportunities. Unless your roster lacks better alternatives, he probably won’t produce enough fantasy points to justify a starting spot this week.
START: Bears D/ST
The Bears host the Patriots on a short week, giving Chicago’s defense an opportunity to capitalize on a potentially difficult turnaround for New England. Chicago’s defense thrives on creating turnovers, and the Patriots’ tendency to get careless with the football could play right into the Bears’ hands.
New England could still put points on the board, but Chicago has the potential to force multiple turnovers and deliver a productive fantasy performance. Check your league’s scoring settings before making your decision, particularly how it balances points allowed against turnovers forced.
SIT: D’Andre Swift
Swift hasn’t been as effective without Kyle Monangai in the lineup. Even if Swift has delivered solid fantasy production to this point, don’t expect New England to let him run wild. The Patriots will likely focus on slowing Chicago’s ground game and forcing the Bears to find other ways to move the ball.
Swift could still contribute as a receiver, but other options in Chicago’s passing game may offer more appealing matchups this week. If Swift is your best available option at running back, starting him isn’t a disaster. However, fantasy managers with stronger alternatives should consider leaving him on the bench against New England.
More on the Chicago Bears
- Three Things We’re Worried About and Two Encouraging Signs for the Bears vs. the Patriots
- 3 Bears Bold Predictions in Week 7 vs. Patriots
- 6 Make-or-Break Players Who Decide Whether the Bears Start 5-2 for the First Time Since 2020
- D’Andre Swift vs. Patriots Week 7: Four Expectations for Bears RB With Kyle Monangai Out
