The Patriots will host the Bears on Monday Night to wrap up Week 7 of this fast flying NFL season. Mac Jones is fully expected to return under center for the Patriots. He may have a bit of pressure, as Bailey Zappe played admirably over a three week stretch while Jones mended an injured ankle. The pressure may come from the overall effectiveness of the offense while he was away.
The Patriots went 1-2 over the first three weeks of the NFL season with Jones. The effectiveness of the offense as a whole was different with the two quarterbacks, and not in a good way for Jones. In Jones three games, the team averaged just 16.7 points per game. That figure jumped to 30.3 points per game with Zappe. Most US sportsbooks believe the success will continue however, as the Patriots are set as an 8.5 point favorite.
The Bears sit 2-4, and have been more effective in most facets than we expected. They have run the ball quite effectively and been a solid defensive team. It is the passing game spear headed by Justin Fields that has held the team back. Fields has eclipsed 200 passing yards just once this season. This team will only go as far as the level Fields is able to improve to.
Mac Jones Player Prop
We have a battle of two quarterbacks that have struggled mightily in 2022 tonight. We also have limitations on player prop options in this game.
On the Patriots side, Damien Harris returns to the running back, casting a shadow on the amount of volume Rhamondre Stevenson will see. We also have rookie Tyquan Thornton in the mix at wide receiver, leaving the volume roles for each wide out in question.
On the Bears side, the passing game has been so inept, pass catchers are essentially ruled out from being considered. We also have talk of a “hot hand” approach in the backfield. That makes it difficult to fire a prop wager on either running back.
What we do have are two quarterbacks that have been frankly poor at protecting the football. Fields has thrown at least one pick in four of six games and five in total. While his over on 0.5 interceptions is attractive, the -180 juice is a heavy price.
Flipping to Jones, he has had even less success protecting the football. He has thrown at least one interception in all three games he has played, and five total in just three games. His over on 0.5 interceptions is even more attractive because that comes with a +100 price tag. The Bears have been opportunistic in terms of interceptions by the defense. They have notched a pick in four of six games and five in total, which is good for second in the league. Take Jones to once again commit the turnover.