Two teams sitting at 4-2 meet Thursday night at Soldier Field when the New England Patriots travel to face the Chicago Bears. Late on, the Patriots have won three straight under coach Mike Vrabel and sit second in the AFC East. They are coming off a 26-19 home victory over the Jets in which Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes.
By contrast, the Bears, coached by Ben Johnson and third in the NFC North, just edged the Falcons 31-23 on the road. Chicago won behind a strong return from Caleb Williams, who completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards. At the onset, Chicago entered as a narrow NFL odds home favorite of roughly 2.5 to 3 points with the total hovering around 49.5 to 50.
Thus far, Drake Maye has been productive through the air with well over 1,400 passing yards and double-digit touchdowns. The Bears’ ground game, led by D’Andre Swift, has been a consistent strength. Williams’ mobility and recent accuracy give Chicago a clear spark. And the short week for both sides after Sunday games adds an extra layer of urgency.
Soldier Field’s atmosphere on a national stage should favor the home side. But the Patriots’ recent form and balanced attack make this a competitive matchup between two clubs looking to stay near the top of their respective conferences.
New England Patriots at Chicago Bears NFL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, October 22, 2026, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time |
|---|---|
| Location: | Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. |
| TV Coverage: | Prime Video |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | +3 ( -108 ) | 50½ ( -110 ) | +128 |  |
| Chicago Bears | -3 ( -112 ) | 50½ ( -110 ) | -158 | |
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The New England Patriots visit the Chicago Bears on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time at Soldier Field in Chicago. Specifically, the Offshore Betting matchup is Week 7 Thursday Night Football. It will be carried nationally in the United States on Prime Video.
New England Patriots at Chicago Bears Matchup Analysis
The central NFL Betting tension in this Thursday night meeting centers on how Chicago’s ground-heavy attack collides with New England’s defensive structure. And how Drake Maye’s volume passing is tested by the Bears’ pressure tendencies.
The Bears rank near the top of the league in rushing yards per game. Namely, they are led by D’Andre Swift. Also, they have limited opposing rush attempts effectively. That could force the Patriots into longer, more predictable downs if New England cannot establish Rhamondre Stevenson early.
Conversely, the Patriots have generated solid pressure rates and sit among the better units in yards allowed. However, their run defense has been less consistent and could be stressed by Chicago’s preferred identity on the short week.
Maye has delivered higher touchdown volume and strong yards per attempt this season. However, he has also been more turnover-prone than Caleb Williams. Accordingly, his efficiency improved markedly in his return from the hamstring issue against Atlanta.
Of great concern, Williams has shown vulnerability when hurried in past outings. And the Patriots’ ability to generate pressure without excessive blitzing could limit his ability to push the ball downfield or create with his legs.
On the other hand, Chicago’s pass defense has held opponents to respectable numbers. Limiting Maye’s intermediate and deep connections to Romeo Doubs and Hunter Henry will be essential if the Bears are to keep the game in their preferred range.
Both defenses have been effective at preventing scores. So, the edge may hinge on third-down conversion rates and the turnover margin. Specifically, neither club has been especially clean.
SBG Free Picks
To conclude, the Sharp lean is the Bears, given their ground-game edge and New England’s short-week travel. The total leans under as both defenses have limited scoring. And the condensed week should keep the game from becoming a high-volume shootout.
SBG Best Bet: Chicago Bears and Under the Total.