The New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears will be pleased to be heading into Week 7 with winning records and look to have done enough to form the foundations of potential playoff pushes.
Their meeting at Soldier Field is an opportunity for both to demonstrate their credentials to a national TV audience on Thursday night.
The Bears recovered well from a 31-7 humbling at NFC North rivals Green Bay by winning 31-23 against Atlanta last week and return to base for the first time since they overcame the New York Jets 23-12 in Week 4.
Meanwhile, inspired by a change of form from quarterback Drake Maye, the Pats have found their groove with three successive victories against the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders and the Jets, and will fancy their chances of boosting their record to 5-2 following their shaky start.
A banged-up offensive line may not aid their cause, but it looks set to be an intriguing night as these two pretenders lock horns.
Patriots vs. Bears Betting Picks & Predictions
Under 50.5 points (-105)
The weather conditions look set to be perfect in the Windy City for Thursday night’s showdown, but that does not necessarily mean there will be a host of points at Soldier Field.
Offensive-line injuries mean that Patriots QB Drake Maye may not be able to enjoy much time in the pocket, and the Bears will be confident they can exert enough pressure to ensure it is a difficult evening.
They had five sacks in their win over the Falcons last week and Maye is likely to be under the cosh more than he was during those victories over the Bills, Raiders and Jets.
That could ensure that the clock keeps ticking and it is worth remembering that Minnesota scored nine points and the Jets mustered just 12 on their recent visits to Chicago.
The under has come in on the last five occasions that the Bears have been home favorites and in each of their last four home games, so there looks a strong chance that a reasonably high points line will not be eclipsed on this occasion.
Colston Loveland Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+170)
Bears tight end Colston Loveland was targeted seven times when Chicago overcame Atlanta last week and as it was a tactic that worked well, he could be heavily involved again in Thursday night’s game.
Loveland scored the first points of the Falcons game with a 14-yard reception and fast ball from Caleb Williams could again prove to be the passport to success.
The quarterback completed all but two of his 26 passes from the pocket last week and there looks a strong chance that Loveland will see plenty of the ball.
He scored six touchdowns last year and this looks like the sort of match-up where he could take another stride to at least matching that number this season.
Drake Maye over 27.5 rushing yards (-115)
It has so far been a season of two halves for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and he looks to be emerging from the other side.
Six interceptions in his opening three games pointed towards a difficult campaign, but he has made a strong recovery by throwing 10 touchdowns in his last four outings, all of which have ended successfully for New England.
However, it is his potential impact on the ground which could provide a strong props option and it would not be a surprise if he managed to reward those who decide to go long on his rushing yards at Soldier Field.
Offensive-line injuries should ensure he is kept on his toes, but as he rushed for 54 yards against Buffalo, 25 against the Raiders, when he also went over for a touchdown, and 24 in last week’s win over the Jets, he could have a decent number of carries.
There is a strong chance he will be able to rush for at least 28 yards on this occasion.
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Patriots vs. Bears Odds
Patriots vs. Bears odds
NE Patriots | +138 |
CHI Bears | -163 |
Spread | CHI Bears -2.5 |
Total | O/U 50.5 |
Patriots vs. Bears player props
Anytime touchdown
D’Andre Swift (CHI Bears) | -165 |
Rhamondre Stevenson (NE Patriots) | -110 |
AJ Brown (NE Patriots) | +130 |
Colston Loveland (CHI Bears) | +170 |
Rome Odunze (CHI Bears) | +170 |
Luther Burden (CHI Bears) | +185 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
