The Patriots travel to Chicago to battle an improved Bears team that is talented and capable of making big plays. The Patriots survived a 43-40 shootout win over the Chiefs on Sunday night while the Bears blew an 11 point lead in a loss to the Dolphins last Sunday.

Here are five keys to this game for the Patriots.

1. Spread the Wealth Offensively: With Rob Gronkowski out due to a back injury, the Patriots will have to spread the wealth more in the passing game. Look for the running backs to be involved as usual and for more 10 personnel (four wide receivers, one running back) receiver sets. The Patriots have to generate match ups with their receivers in this game.

2. Account for Mack: The Patriots have to account for Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack on every play. He is the best defensive player in football and a game wrecker. The Patriots will double him in pass pro with both their tight ends and their running backs. They have to hope that is enough to slow him down.

3. Don’t Get Beat By Their Gimmicks: The Patriots will see many of the same gimmick concepts from the Bears that they saw from the Chiefs last week. The Bears will use formations and motion to outflank the Patriots and get their play makers the ball. The Patriots defense needs to be ready to limit the big plays.

4. Keep Pounding the Ball: One of the ways to slow down an aggressive defense is to get into two back formations and run the football. Expect the Patriots to continue to be more balanced offensively and to run the ball right at the Bears.

5. Weather the Storm: This is a big game for the rebuilding Bears. They will be fired up and so will their fans. The Patriots have to weather the storm early and take control of the game.

Final Prediction: Patriots 28 Bears 24: Not having Gronk in the line up hurts but the Patriots will find away to neutralize Mack and they will score enough points to pull this one out. The key will be the defense. They must get stops late.