Bears host Patriots in Thursday matchup of 2024 draft classmates Williams and Maye

The 4-2 Chicago Bears host the 4-2 New England Patriots on Thursday night in a Week 7 matchup featuring 2024 draft classmates Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. Chicago is a three-point favorite, with projections pointing to a high-play-volume game and a run-oriented Bears approach; New England may rely more on passing. Williams returned from a three-game absence to lead the Bears past Atlanta, and cornerback Kyler Gordon also returned; Maye threw three touchdowns in the Patriots’ win over the Jets, though New England may be short-handed on the offensive line. Chicago’s offense faces a defense that has limited opponents’ scoring and passing, while its pass rush could test the Patriots’ protection; the Bears’ pass defense may give Maye opportunities through the air. Key matchups include Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez against Chicago’s developing receivers and Chicago’s pass rush against Maye, while Bears tackle Darnell Wright faces edge rusher Matthew Judon. New England leads the all-time series 11-5, though Chicago won their Super Bowl XX meeting.