Week 7 of the NFL season gets underway with an intriguing Thursday Night Football matchup as the Chicago Bears welcome the New England Patriots to Soldier Field. Both teams enter the contest at 4-2 and firmly in the playoff picture, with the Patriots riding a three-game winning streak and the Bears coming off an impressive victory over Atlanta. The matchup also brings together two of the NFL's most exciting young quarterbacks in Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, both of whom are enjoying excellent starts to the season.
Check out our NFL tips below, and why not sign up to a new betting site to place your bets this weekend!
NFL Week 7 New England Patriots at Chicago Bears Betting Tips
11:15am AEDT, Friday October 23
Chicago Bears
Chicago improved to 4-2 with an impressive 31-23 victory over Atlanta last weekend, with Caleb Williams making an immediate impact in his return to the lineup. Williams threw for 305 yards as the Bears offence produced another strong performance under head coach Ben Johnson. Chicago has been one of the NFL's most productive offensive teams this season, ranking fifth in total offence with 388.3 yards per game and leading the league in rushing with 160.7 yards per contest.
The Bears have also been excellent at controlling possession, averaging more than 36 minutes with the football per game. D'Andre Swift has provided a reliable presence in the backfield, while Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III give Williams plenty of dangerous options through the air. Defensively, Chicago ranks seventh in yards allowed and sixth in points conceded, giving the Bears an impressive balance on both sides of the football. Injuries to the offensive line and linebacker group are worth monitoring, but there is plenty to like about Chicago heading into its home opener on Thursday night.
New England Patriots
New England has recovered strongly from a 1-2 start to the season, recording consecutive victories over Buffalo, Las Vegas and the New York Jets. The Patriots produced their most impressive offensive performance in a 47-17 demolition of the Raiders before backing it up with a hard-fought 26-19 victory over the Jets last weekend. Drake Maye has been central to that improvement, throwing at least three touchdown passes in each of his past three games, becoming the first Patriots quarterback to achieve that feat since Tom Brady in 2014.
Maye has developed into one of the NFL's most dangerous young quarterbacks, combining excellent accuracy with the ability to extend plays and attack downfield. However, New England enters this matchup with concerns along its offensive line, while star receiver A.J. Brown has been dealing with an ankle injury. Brown has also struggled to establish consistent chemistry with Maye, although DeMario Douglas has stepped up with 151 receiving yards and three touchdowns across the past two weeks. The Patriots defence has been equally impressive, ranking sixth in total yards allowed and eighth against the run.
Prediction
This shapes as one of the more evenly matched Thursday Night Football contests of the season, with both teams boasting talented young quarterbacks and defences capable of making life difficult for opposing offences. New England arrives with plenty of momentum, but the Patriots face a difficult challenge against a Chicago team that has been particularly effective at controlling possession and establishing its running game.
The Bears lead the NFL in rushing yards per game and have the offensive balance to keep New England's defence guessing, while Williams looked sharp in his return against Atlanta. Chicago also holds a significant advantage in offensive line continuity, with the Patriots dealing with several injuries up front on a short week. Maye should keep New England competitive, but the Bears have the weapons and defensive quality to take advantage of playing at Soldier Field. In what should be a close contest, Chicago looks the preferred play to cover the small handicap at home.
Chicago Bears -2.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Player Prop
Drake Maye 250+ Passing Yards
Maye has been in excellent form throughout New England's three-game winning streak, throwing at least three touchdowns in each of those victories and consistently creating explosive plays through the air. The Patriots quarterback has developed a particularly productive connection with DeMario Douglas in recent weeks, while Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown provide additional options downfield. Chicago has been strong defensively, but Maye should be required to throw regularly against a Bears offence capable of controlling possession and putting points on the board. With New England likely to lean heavily on its quarterback to move the football, Maye looks capable of pushing beyond 250 passing yards in what should be a competitive primetime contest.
Drake Maye 250+ Passing Yds
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
