CHICAGO, Ill. (Oct. 19, 2025) — The Chicago Bears enter Week 7 riding a three-game winning streak and appear to be one of the NFC’s most improved teams under head coach Matt Eberflus. Their next test comes Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field, where they’ll host the reeling New Orleans Saints (1-5). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

Oddsmakers have installed Chicago as 3.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 43.5 points. The Bears’ recent surge — powered by balance on both sides of the ball and a resurgent passing attack — makes them the clear favorite against a Saints team desperate to find its footing after another disappointing loss.

Bears Finding Their Identity

After starting the season 0-2, Chicago (3-2) has flipped the narrative with three straight wins, including a statement victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. Quarterback Justin Fields has been at the center of that turnaround, showcasing improved decision-making, poise in the pocket, and chemistry with his receivers.

Over the past three games, Fields has thrown for 779 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception, while completing nearly 69% of his passes. He’s also added 142 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, once again proving why he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks.

“He’s in control of this offense,” Eberflus said this week. “The confidence and the rhythm he’s playing with are contagious. The guys around him are feeding off it.”

Fields’ resurgence has elevated the entire offense. DJ Moore continues to play like a top-tier receiver, leading the team with 472 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while Cole Kmet and Darnell Mooney have provided consistent support in the passing game.

Running back Khalil Herbert, who’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry, anchors a rushing attack that ranks sixth in the NFL in yards per game. Chicago’s offensive line — long a point of criticism — has found stability thanks to improved protection schemes and the return of left tackle Braxton Jones.

Defensively, the Bears are beginning to look like the unit fans expected when the season began. Led by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and pass rusher Montez Sweat, Chicago’s defense has recorded seven turnovers in its past three games and ranks top 10 in opponent third-down conversion rate.

Saints Searching for Answers

It’s been a rough stretch for the New Orleans Saints, who enter Sunday’s matchup at 1-5 and riding a four-game losing streak. Head coach Dennis Allen finds himself under increasing scrutiny as the offense continues to sputter and the defense struggles to close out games.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler, the team’s rookie starter, has shown flashes of potential but remains inconsistent. Rattler has thrown for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns, but his six interceptions have often come at costly moments. He’ll face one of the more opportunistic defenses he’s seen so far this season in Chicago.

The Saints’ rushing attack, led by veteran Alvin Kamara, remains their best weapon. Kamara has accounted for 492 scrimmage yards in five games and continues to be a dual threat in the passing game. However, with injuries mounting along the offensive line — including guard Cesar Ruiz and tackle Ryan Ramczyk listed as questionable — Kamara may have limited room to operate against Chicago’s improving front seven.

Defensively, New Orleans has struggled to contain the run, allowing 128 rushing yards per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. That’s bad news against a Bears team that thrives on play-action and quarterback mobility.

Allen emphasized the need for discipline and execution this week. “We’ve got to stop beating ourselves,” he said. “Too many missed tackles, too many penalties, too many turnovers. We can’t expect to win games that way.”

Key Matchup: Justin Fields vs. Saints Secondary

The chess match to watch will be between Fields and the Saints’ secondary, led by veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore. If Fields continues to find DJ Moore in one-on-one situations, the Saints will be forced to adjust their coverage, opening opportunities for Chicago’s tight ends and running backs in the middle of the field.

The Saints’ defense ranks 24th against the pass, which could spell trouble if Fields maintains his current rhythm. Expect Chicago to test New Orleans early with vertical routes and designed quarterback runs to stretch the defense.

Prediction: Bears 29, Saints 20

The Bears are trending upward, while the Saints are sinking fast. Chicago’s offensive balance and home-field advantage should be too much for New Orleans to overcome, particularly if the Saints’ protection issues persist.

Pick ATS: Bears (-3.5)
Pick O/U: Over (43.5)
Projected Final Score: Bears 29, Saints 20

With another strong showing, the Bears could emerge as one of the NFC’s biggest midseason surprises — and Fields could solidify his place among the conference’s top young quarterbacks.