5 Bold Predictions for the Chicago Bears' Week 8 Matchup

Have you recovered from the Chicago Bears' devastating loss to the Miami Dolphins at home? Where is your confidence in the team going into a big meeting on the road against the New England Patriots?

Despite the Bears' struggles, they have a better shot in this game than most might be giving them. They need to get back to their offensive ways and put pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. 

Look for Jay Cutler to bounce back and Marc Trestman to make some major adjustments in his play calls. Those are just a few of the bold predictions for this week; here are the rest. 

Jay Cutler Won't Turn the Ball over

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

It's very simple; when Jay Cutler takes care of the football, the Bears win. 

In the Bears' three wins this season, Cutler didn't give the ball away; in the four losses, he did. 

Cutler has also played better on the road. He's protected the football in hostile environments and will do the same in Foxborough this week. 

The Patriots defense is not the same without Jerod Mayo. The star linebacker was lost for the season, and this New England defense gave up 226 passing yards without forcing a turnover against Geno Smith and the Jets. 

Cutler will come out focused and poised like he usually does after a poor game. He will be firing on all cylinders against a short-handed New England defense and will do it all while taking care of the ball.  

Matt Forte Will Have More Than 150 Rushing Yards

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

At the center of the Bears' offensive woes is their inability to feed running back Matt Forte the football. He's been outstanding in the passing game, but the team hasn't gone to him nearly enough on the ground. 

Forte is facing a New England defense that is ranked 24th in rushing yards allowed. Head coach Marc Trestman is under fire for not running the ball enough, so expect to see the game plan change this week. 

As mentioned earlier, Jerod Mayo is out, and the Patriots struggled to slow down Jets running back Chris Ivory last week. When the Bears put the film on, they will see plenty of opportunities to get Forte going. 

It will be a huge game on the ground for Forte. He will get at least 150 yards rushing and have by far his best effort of the season. 

The Pressure Will Get to Tom Brady

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

The Bears defense has struggled all season against mobile quarterbacks. Luckily for Chicago, future Hall of Famer Tom Brady is as immobile as a QB gets. 

While Brady is on a hot streak right now, his style fits well for this Bears front four. Pass-rushers Jared Allen, Jay Ratliff and Lamarr Houston have been playing better, and it's only a matter of time before they put it together as a unit. 

Starting running back Stevan Ridley is out for the season with an injury, which is forcing New England to pass more. Brady has been sacked 13 times this year, but that number is sure to rise with an increase in pass attempts. 

Brady might still carve up the Bears defense, but Chicago will get to him a few times. The defense will come away from the game with at least four sacks. 

Martellus Bennett Bounces Back in a Major Way

Chris Keane/Associated Press

Has anybody seen tight end Martellus Bennett over the past few weeks?

After coming out the gates red hot, he hasn't had a touchdown since Week 3 and has caught only 12 passes in his last three games. 

Expect that to change this week. Bennett provides Jay Cutler with a nice security blanket over the middle. He's also a matchup nightmare for New England's linebackers. 

Look for Bennett to bounce back in a major way this week. He will have around seven receptions for close to 100 yards and at least one touchdown. 

The Offense Carries the Bears to a Win

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

If you haven't guessed it by now, there's a theme to these bold predictions. The Bears will figure it out on offense this week and take another win on the road. 

Head coach Marc Trestman has to rally his troops after a tough week against Miami. He also has to do some soul searching and get back to his roots as a terrific play-caller. 

In New England, we will see some of the most focused players and coaches on offense we have seen in a while for Chicago. Being 4-4 at the bye is very different than being 3-5. 

The Bears win this game 34-26 on the strength of Cutler, Forte, Bennett and a more poised Trestman in his play-calling.