On Thursday, two of the league’s most high-profile teams will clash as the rejuvenated Chicago Bears take on the electrifying New England Patriots at Soldier Field.
Chicago (4-2) steps into this matchup following a 31-23 victory on the road against the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Caleb Williams had an impressive return from injury, successfully completing 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, it’s an ideal scenario for New England (4-2) and head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots have secured three straight wins, including a hard-fought 26-19 victory against the New York Jets last weekend.
The Bears started the game as 1.5-point favorites and have seen significant betting activity, moving the line to -3 at many sportsbooks. The total point line has also risen, shifting from 47.5 to 50.5.
Let’s explore where we can find some betting opportunities — as well as a live long shot — ahead of this captivating encounter.
New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (-3, 50.5)
If there was a team hit hard by injuries in Week 6, it was certainly New England.
The Patriots have faced significant injuries, particularly affecting their starting offensive linemen. Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring) and left guard Ben Brown (knee) have both been ruled out. Right tackle Morgan Moses is dealing with a foot injury, but Vrabel suggests he may have a chance to play.
This poses a substantial challenge for the line protecting Drake Maye, who has been playing exceptionally well — and arguably at the top of his game — during this successful streak.
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For the Bears, having Williams back under center significantly boosts their prospects. Chicago transforms when he is at the helm, as seen in the thrilling road victory against Atlanta last weekend.
Further adding to the Bears’ momentum on this short week is the emotional aspect. This will be Chicago’s first game at Soldier Field since the passing of legendary coach/player Mike Ditka. Head coach Ben Johnson’s crew will aim to deliver a standout performance against the very franchise that Ditka’s incredible 15-1 Bears team defeated 46-10 in Super Bowl XX in New Orleans.
Both teams have shown they can score on any given day. New England is averaging just under 23 points per game, while Chicago has a slight edge, averaging 25 PPG. The Bears also lead in total yards per game (388.3 compared to 374.2), setting up the potential for a high-scoring affair.
Defensively, both teams are strong. The Patriots rank 10th in total yards allowed (1,805), which is marginally better than the Bears, who are ranked 11th. Both squads rank in the top 10 for rushing yards allowed, with Chicago tied for fifth overall with 17.0 total sacks.
Traditionally, the home team has the upper hand in these quick turnaround games, but I believe Vrabel will have New England well-prepared. The significant injuries on the offensive line are concerning, but I trust that the Patriots’ reserves will rise to the occasion.
I predict New England will keep this game within a field goal — and even has a chance to win — on what promises to be a beautiful night in the “Windy City.”
Bet: Patriots +3.5 alternate spread (-140, FanDuel)
Foxborough, MA – October 18: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye takes the field before the game. The New England Patriots played the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 18, 2026.
(Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Player props
QB Drake Maye over 1.5 TD passes (-122, FanDuel)
Is there any quarterback in the NFL performing better than Maye at this moment? I think not.
Maye has been remarkable lately, accumulating 878 yards and 10 touchdowns against just one interception during the Patriots’ winning streak of three games. He also became the first New England quarterback since Tom Brady in 2017 to achieve three consecutive games with at least three touchdown passes.
Bet on Drake Maye to throw at least two TD passes at sportsbooks now
WR DeMario Douglas over 37.5 receiving yards (-114) | 40+ receiving yards (+100) | 50+ receiving yards (+168)
With Romeo Doubs now placed on IR due to a shoulder injury, Maye will need to identify another primary target alongside Brown in the New England offense.
Please welcome DeMario Douglas.
We had success backing the quick slot receiver to surpass his yardage total in the Patriots’ season-opening defeat against the Seattle Seahawks. Thus, we are eager to back him once more in a game where he is likely to see even more action given Doubs and fellow wideout Mack Hollins’ (calf) absence.
In the last two games, Douglas has emerged as Maye’s primary option, recording 11 receptions from 13 targets for a total of 151 yards and three touchdowns. He had the second-most targets behind Brown during the Jets victory, ending with a snap share of 59%.
Consider wagering on Douglas to surpass his receiving yard total, and then add a mini-ladder bet for him to reach the alternate markers of 50 yards.
Anytime TD scorers
RB Roschon Johnson (+210, FanDuel)
Clearly, D’Andre Swift stands out as the clear-cut RB1 for the Bears.
He holds the lead in carries (94), rushing yards (398), and touchdowns (6) on the season for Chicago. However, a trend has emerged in the past two games: his surprising lack of carries in the second half.
Swift has mustered only five carries in the second half over the last two contests. Yes, you read that correctly. With Kyle Monangai unavailable, I think you need to carefully examine Johnson’s potential.
He delivered his standout performance of the season in the win against Atlanta, rushing 13 times for 51 yards and a touchdown. He also added two receptions for 34 yards.
Given Swift’s limited role in the second half recently, I think this presents an excellent opportunity to place a bet on Johnson to score in consecutive games.
RB Corey Kiner (+700, FanDuel)
This may appear to be a long shot on paper, but I’m anticipating more involvement from Kiner than initially expected when New England faces off against the Chicago defense.
Vrabel clearly has faith in the second-year running back from Cincinnati, as his trust was evident last Sunday when he had eight straight rushing attempts to help secure the win in New York.
Kiner ended up as the leader of the Patriots’ three-man rushing attack with 13 carries totaling 57 yards, which followed his earlier six-carry, 52-yard performance against Las Vegas.
Although he hasn’t yet scored a touchdown in his early career, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to achieve that milestone. The enticing odds here make backing Kiner all the more appealing for this matchup.
