Thursday Night Football opens NFL Week 7 with the New England Patriots visiting the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2026. Both teams enter at 4–2, making this an important early-season matchup between two clubs looking to strengthen their playoff positioning.
New England has won three consecutive games behind an improving Drake Maye, while Chicago welcomes the return of Caleb Williams following a hamstring injury. The Bears are favored at home, but the matchup offers several interesting betting opportunities involving D’Andre Swift, DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Chicago’s young receiving corps.
With injuries affecting New England’s offensive line and Chicago’s running-back rotation, tonight’s player-prop markets could be especially interesting.
Patriots vs. Bears Betting Odds
Thursday Odds Snapshot — October 22, 2026
The following odds reflect Thursday’s published sportsbook markets. Spreads, moneylines, totals and player props may change before kickoff.
| Betting market | New England Patriots | Chicago Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Point spread | +3 | -3 |
| Moneyline | +124 | -148 |
| Game total | Over 50.5 | Under 50.5 |
| Kickoff | 8:15 p.m. ET | Soldier Field, Chicago |
Chicago opened as a smaller favorite before the spread moved toward three points. The total has also climbed from an opening number around 47.5 to 50.5, reflecting expectations for productive offenses.
The Bears are averaging an NFL-leading 160.7 rushing yards per game, while New England has scored 102 points during its three-game winning streak. Chicago’s rushing production and the Patriots’ improving passing attack are the central themes entering tonight’s matchup.
Patriots vs. Bears Injury Report and Key Matchups
New England will be without starting offensive linemen Ben Brown and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Both were injured against the Jets, leaving the Patriots to rely on replacements against a Chicago defense that has recorded 17 sacks this season.
Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs is also unavailable after being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. His absence could create additional opportunities for DeMario Douglas, A.J. Brown and Hunter Henry. New England cornerbacks Carlton Davis III, Channing Canada and Karon Prunty have also been ruled out, weakening the secondary.
Chicago running back Kyle Monangai is out with thumb and toe injuries, leaving D’Andre Swift positioned for another significant workload. Linebacker Jack Sanborn is out with a concussion, T.J. Edwards is doubtful, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is questionable.
Caleb Williams is available after returning against Atlanta, where he completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown in Chicago’s 31–23 victory. Drake Maye also enters in improved form, having thrown 10 touchdowns and only one interception over New England’s last three games.
Patriots vs. Bears Player Props
D’Andre Swift Rushing Yards
Pick to consider: D’Andre Swift over 62.5 rushing yards.
Swift has rushed for 398 yards and six touchdowns on 94 carries this season. With Monangai unavailable, he should continue to receive a substantial share of Chicago’s rushing opportunities.
The Bears lead the NFL in rushing yards per game, and Swift has been especially productive near the goal line. His rushing-yardage over is one of the more appealing options for bettors expecting Chicago to control possession.
D’Andre Swift Anytime Touchdown
Published odds: -160 at DraftKings.
Swift has scored six rushing touchdowns, including three over the past two games while Monangai has been sidelined. Chicago’s strong rushing attack gives him opportunities both between the tackles and near the goal line.
Swift’s anytime-touchdown market is one of the leading options for tonight’s game.
DeMario Douglas Receiving Yards
Pick to consider: DeMario Douglas over 37.5 receiving yards (-110 at BetMGM).
Douglas enters with a team-leading 20 receptions on 30 targets. With Romeo Doubs unavailable, Douglas could see additional opportunities as Maye looks for reliable receivers against Chicago’s aggressive defense.
His 37.5-yard receiving line is relatively modest compared with the passing production New England has generated during its winning streak.
Caleb Williams Passing Yards
Pick to consider: Caleb Williams over 243.5 passing yards (-114).
Williams returned from injury with an impressive performance against Atlanta, completing 83.3% of his passes for 305 yards. His accuracy and ability to extend plays give Chicago several ways to attack New England’s defense.
Williams is coming off a highly efficient 305-yard performance against the Falcons last week, driving up his yardage expectation. The Over on his 1.5 passing touchdowns is currently heavily favored at -143. Rushing Outlook: While he averaged over 53 rushing yards per game in his first two outings, he only logged 3 rushing yards last week after returning from a hamstring injury. Oddsmakers have set a relatively conservative baseline of 20.5 yards tonight.
The Patriots have been strong defensively overall, so this is a more competitive matchup than Williams faced last week. Still, Chicago’s available receivers and the potential for a high-scoring game support examining his passing-yardage over.
Drake Maye Passing Yards
Pick to consider: Drake Maye over 247.5 passing yards (-115).
Maye has been one of the league’s most improved quarterbacks over the past three weeks. After a difficult start to the season, he has thrown 10 touchdown passes against just one interception during New England’s three-game winning streak.
Chicago’s defense creates pressure, and the Patriots’ offensive-line injuries are a concern. However, Maye’s ability to escape the pocket and find receivers downfield gives New England opportunities to produce through the air.
A.J. Brown Receptions
Pick to consider: A.J. Brown over 5.5 receptions (+124 at DraftKings).
Brown returned from injury against the Jets and caught three passes for 27 yards on 10 targets. The production was modest, but the target volume suggests that Maye intends to involve him heavily.
With Doubs unavailable, Brown could receive another substantial number of opportunities. A reception total of 5.5 offers an interesting option if that workload continues.
Colston Loveland Receiving Yards
Prop to consider: Colston Loveland receiving yards.
Loveland caught a touchdown pass from Williams against Atlanta, showing the connection between Chicago’s quarterback and young tight end. The Patriots’ defensive injuries could create additional opportunities for Chicago’s receiving targets.
Loveland’s receiving-yardage and anytime-touchdown markets are worth reviewing alongside Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.
Thursday Night Football Anytime Touchdown Picks
| Player | Published anytime TD odds |
|---|---|
| D’Andre Swift | -160 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | -105 |
| A.J. Brown | +140 |
| Colston Loveland | +185 |
| Rome Odunze | +200 |
| Luther Burden III | +190 |
| Hunter Henry | +240 |
Swift leads the touchdown candidates because of Chicago’s rushing production and Monangai’s absence. Stevenson remains New England’s primary rushing touchdown option, while Brown and Henry offer receiving-based alternatives.
Loveland, Odunze and Burden provide Chicago with several additional scoring options if Williams continues his strong passing form.
Patriots vs. Bears Parlay Ideas
Bears Rushing Parlay
- D’Andre Swift over 62.5 rushing yards
- D’Andre Swift anytime touchdown (-160)
This combination focuses on Chicago’s rushing attack and Swift’s increased workload with Monangai unavailable.
Patriots Receiving Parlay
- DeMario Douglas over 37.5 receiving yards (-110)
- A.J. Brown over 5.5 receptions (+124)
New England’s receiver injuries could increase opportunities for Douglas and Brown, particularly if the Patriots need to throw frequently to keep pace.
Thursday Night Football Same-Game Parlay
- Bears moneyline (-148)
- D’Andre Swift anytime touchdown (-160)
- Colston Loveland receiving yards over a verified sportsbook line
This combination centers on a Chicago victory supported by its rushing attack and Williams’ passing game.
Passing Game Parlay
- Caleb Williams over 243.5 passing yards (-114)
- Drake Maye over 247.5 passing yards (-115)
Both quarterbacks enter with recent strong passing performances, and the 50.5-point total suggests that scoring opportunities could be available on both sides.
Patriots vs. Bears Betting Strategy
Chicago’s ability to establish the run is one of the most important factors in tonight’s matchup. The Bears lead the NFL in rushing yards per game, and Swift’s workload becomes even more important with Monangai out.
New England’s offensive-line injuries create a challenge against a Bears defense that has recorded 17 sacks. Maye has been effective at avoiding pressure and extending plays, but the loss of two starting guards could affect both the passing game and the Patriots’ ability to run consistently.
The Bears also have concerns in their secondary, while the Patriots are missing multiple cornerbacks. Those absences could create opportunities for both passing attacks, particularly if either team falls behind early.
The betting market has moved toward Chicago and the Over, with the Bears favored by three points and the total around 50.5.
Patriots vs. Bears Picks and Predictions
Chicago has the stronger rushing attack and home-field advantage, while New England enters with the better recent winning streak. Both teams have productive quarterbacks, but the Patriots’ offensive-line injuries could become decisive against Chicago’s defensive pressure.
Best bets to consider:
- Spread: Bears -3
- Moneyline: Bears -148
- Total: Over 50.5
- Top rushing prop: D’Andre Swift over 62.5 rushing yards
- Top receiving prop: DeMario Douglas over 37.5 receiving yards (-110)
- Receptions prop: A.J. Brown over 5.5 receptions (+124)
- Anytime touchdown: D’Andre Swift (-160)
- Touchdown value option: Colston Loveland (+185)
Final score prediction: Bears 30, Patriots 24.
Chicago’s rushing advantage and Williams’ return give the Bears the edge, although Maye’s recent passing production should keep New England competitive. The combination of offensive talent and defensive injuries makes this an appealing matchup for several player-prop markets.
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