2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 7

New Orleans Saints (5-1) at Chicago Bears (3-2)

Sunday, October 20, 4:25PM ET

Right now, the New Orleans Saints look great. Teddy Bridgewater is filling in for Drew Brees splendidly, having won all four of his starts since the Week 2 injury. However, they’re far from invincible, as we saw last week when they nearly lost to a subpar Jaguars squad.

Now, they come into a Week 7 matchup against a Chicago Bears team that’s hungry for a win. They’re coming off an upset at the hands of the Raiders while playing across the pond. This week, they’ll be in the friendly confines of Soldier Stadium, fresh off a bye week that should have them ready to roll on Sunday.

Expect Khalil Mack and the rest of the Chicago defense to get after Bridgewater early and often. And just when the Saints think they can depend on Alvin Kamara to lead them to victory, the Bears front shuts him down as well. Although Chase Daniel isn’t going to put a ton of points on the board, he’ll do enough to outpace New Orleans.

It’s going to be a gritty, defensive game highlighted by sacks, turnovers and three-and-outs. When all is said and done, though, I expect the Bears to sneak away with a low-scoring win that proves the NFC North may just be the toughest division in the NFL in 2019.

Prediction: Bears win 17-14