3 matchups that will decide Patriots vs. Bears

Conor Ryan highlights three critical matchups that will decide Thursday night's game between the 4-2 New England Patriots and 4-2 Chicago Bears. The key areas include New England's defense trying to contain Chicago's league-leading rushing attack, quarterback Drake Maye attacking the Bears' defense on early downs, and the Patriots' depleted interior offensive line facing Chicago's pass rush.

Chicago leads the NFL with 160.7 rushing yards per game and average time of possession, relying heavily on D'Andre Swift. Meanwhile, New England must navigate injuries to offensive linemen Ben Brown and Alijah Vera-Tucker against a Bears defense coordinated by Dennis Allen that ranks among the league's best on third-down situations.