Kickoff: The Patriots are in the Windy City today to take on Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. After a tough overtime loss to the Titans last week, the Patriots are hoping to bounce back against a Bears team that has lost two in a row and is coming off of an ugly loss at Arizona. 

Here are four keys to the game for the Patriots.

1st Down: Find a way to run the ball: The running game has been anemic the past few weeks. The Patriots must find a way to run the football. If they don’t balance things up offensively, Drake Maye will continue to take a beating. He cannot be your only source of offense. 

2nd Down: Contain Williams: The rookie has struggled of late after a three game stretch where he played well. Despite his recent struggles, the Patriots need to keep him in the pocket and not allow him to extend plays. Williams is dangerous in off script situations. The Patriots must sugar rush him and keep in the pocket. Make him beat you that way.

3rd Down: Focus on the secondary: The secondary will be a focal point today as they match up against one of the top skill groups in the NFL. Getting pressure on Williams will be the key but matching up on the back end and plastering in coverage will be just as important. The Bears receivers have not been as impactful as expected. Do not let them get on track this week. 

4th Down: Smoke and mirrors: The Patriots need to be creative on offense this week. It is time to start using the back of the playbook. They do not motion enough, shift or run enough gadgets plays. It is time to open things up. Simply running your offense is not enough. If you are going to be bad on offense, at least be fun to watch. 

Extra Point: The Patriots hold a 10-4 overall lead in the regular season series. The last meeting between the two teams was a 33-14 Patriots loss at home on Monday Night Football in 2022. Chicago won the only postseason matchup between the two teams, beating the Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. Since Super Bowl XX, the Patriots have an 8-2 record against Chicago.

Final Drive: The Patriots desperately need a win but so do the Bears who are still in playoff contention. A good start on offense, generating turnovers and getting off the field on third down defensively will all be keys for the Patriots if they want to win this game. Chicago is reeling. Can the Patriots take advantage? Probably not but stranger things have happened.