Welcome to Week 7 gameday, after the Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons less than a week ago.
The 4-2 Bears face the 4-2 New England Patriots in a major showdown between two of the NFL's best teams. Chicago is trying to shake off the near-disaster against the Falcons, when they allowed 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter but still managed a 31-23 win.
After that game, there are six Bears players who face some pressure to step up and perform well for them in Week 7. Here are some players to watch who need to have big nights.
Which Bears are under the most pressure in Week 7 against the Patriots
D'Andre Swift, RB
Over the last two games, Swift hasn't played up to the standard the Bears hoped for. With Kyle Monangai out of the lineup, Swift has run for 87 yards and three touchdowns but averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Chicago needs to see more from the running back they just gave a $33.7 million contract extension to.
Devin Bush, LB
Bush led the Bears in tackles last week with seven, but he will not have T.J. Edwards by his side for the second straight week. While D'Marco Jackson has stepped in well for Edwards, the Bears will still need more from Bush. The speedy linebacker has played well this season but hasn't had a standout performance yet, so this could be the game to do it.
Rome Odunze, WR
Odunze caught only three passes for 39 yards against Atlanta. He did have a big catch that was overturned, but he needs to get open more and help his quarterback. Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland are starting to get more targets from Caleb Williams. If Odunze wants to stay involved in this passing game, he'll have to play better.
Kyler Gordon, CB
It's probably unfair to keep Gordon on the list, since his first game this season was three sacks and two forced fumbles against the Falcons. Now it's about consistency and proving he can stay on the team after two years of injury concerns. Gordon took an important first step to earn the fan base's trust. Now they need to see it again.
James Lynch, DL
Lynch was expected to take on a bigger role on the defensive line after Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat missed the Falcons game. He didn't get a tackle, but he did deflect a pass. Chicago needs him to step up and play better if they want to win this game. It could cost him playing time if he can't get the job done, it could cost him playing timeIf.
Read more: What Kyle Monangai missing his third straight game means for Bears in Week 7
Jaylon Johnson, CB
It's become a weekly occurrence: Johnson shows up on a list of players who need to improve or face the most pressure, but until he plays up to the standard that he needs, he will stay on it. He's getting slightly better, as he has allowed around a 115 passer rating, which is three down from where he was at last week. New England will target him often, so he better be ready to dominate. Otherwise, the Bears will have to bench him.
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