The Thursday night matchup between the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots marks the first of three primetime games for the defending NFC North champions. 

After first-year head coach Ben Johnson's success last season, people want to see the Bears in the spotlight. Quarterback Caleb Williams is back for the Bears offense, coming off one of his efficient games in his career against the Atlanta Falcons, completing 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a 14-yard passing touchdown to tight end Colston Loveland. 

This will be Williams first game back at Soldier Field since his Week 2 hamstring injury against the Minnesota Vikings. Like the Bears, the Patriots are 4-2 and are looking to keep pace in their respective division as the Buffalo Bills are a game ahead (5-1). Chicago is currently third in the NFC North behind the undefeated Vikings (5-0) and 4-2 Packers. 

There are plenty of storylines to follow in this Week 7 game. Safety Kevin Byard III returns to Chicago. Two second-year head coaches going at for the first time in Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel. And, of course, Caleb Williams facing Drake Maye -- the No. 1 and No. 3 overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

(Read more about the Williams and Maye matchup here.)

Here's everything you need to know about this Thursday night game between the Bears and Patriots at Soldier Field. 

Elijah Ponder is not a household name, but the Patriots edge rusher has made impactful plays for New England's defense this season. He leads the team with 22 total pressures and 5.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound undrafted free agent from Polytechnic State University is in his second season with New England. 

He's registered at least 0.5 sacks in every game this season except in Week 1. Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, he finished with six total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. 

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he will line up on both edges: LOLB (119 snaps) and ROLB (135 snaps). 

The matchup to watch is Ponder against whoever is at left tackle for the Bears. Theo Benedet has starter the last three games at left tackle, but Ozzy Trapilo made his 2026 debut, playing 17 snaps against the Falcons. I expect both to play tonight, so they will have to anchor Williams' blindside, especially when they have one-on-one reps against Ponder.

This game will be decided on the Bears' ability to defend the Patriots' vertical passing attack. We all saw what happened in the Week 5 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love obliterated the Bears' defense, completing eight deep passes (20+ air yards) for a career-high 258 yards and two touchdowns. 

Well, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye can throw the deep ball as well. Maye has five passing touchdowns of 20 yards or more, tied for the most with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. Maye's 14 completions on explosive passes (20+ yards) is No. 1 in the NFL. The Patriots' quarterback also has the most big-time throws -- passes with excellent ball location and timing into a tight window -- with 13, according to PFF. 

The Bears' defense has struggled to contain explosive passing plays throughout Dennis Allen's tenure as defensive coordinator. According to CBS' Doug Clawson, Chicago has allowed a 51% completion rate and 17 touchdowns on deep passe since 2025 -- ranking tied for the worst in the NFL in both categories. 

If the Bears limit the explosive plays on Thursday night, they will put themselves in a great position to win this football game. If they fail to do so, it could be a long night for Chicago's defense. 

This is going to be a fourth-quarter game. Whoever has the ball last and either Williams or Maye will make that big play to secure a victory for their respective teams. 

The Bears have been a stingy defense at Soldier Field, allowing 19.8 points per game (6th-best). That's trend that goes back to last season when Allen's unit allowed 18.8 PPG, including the playoffs. 

I think Chicago's defense gives up more than 20, but Williams and this Bears offense is well equipped to outscore opponents. Wide receiver Rome Odunze scores a touchdown tonight, and Williams runs in for a score. 

Bears 27, Patriots 24