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

The 4-2 New England Patriots and 4-2 Chicago Bears meet Thursday night at Soldier Field in a Week 7 matchup between quarterbacks Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. New England has won three straight and defeated Chicago in their last meeting in 2024; the Patriots also beat the Jets last week, with Maye throwing three touchdown passes. Chicago is coming off a win over Atlanta after Williams returned from injury, though he was sacked four times. Both teams have injury concerns, particularly New England on the offensive line and among its receivers. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and Bears coach Ben Johnson face off as Chicago’s offense tests New England’s defense.