New England visits Chicago on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. Eastern. Both teams are 4–2. The Patriots have won three straight, while the Bears followed a loss at Green Bay with a 31–23 home win over Atlanta.
Reported facts: final injury designations
New England’s official Wednesday report rules out starting guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown, cornerbacks Carlton Davis III, Channing Canada and Karon Prunty. Tackle Morgan Moses and safeties Kevin Byard III and Craig Woodson are questionable. Chicago rules out running back Kyle Monangai and linebacker Jack Sanborn; linebacker T.J. Edwards is doubtful and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson Sr. is questionable.
Drake Maye has thrown 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions through six games. Chicago’s Caleb Williams has played three games, completing 66 of 91 passes for 712 yards. D’Andre Swift leads the Bears with 398 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
ISR analysis: identify the protection plan
New England’s missing guards make the interior protection calls the first checkpoint. Watch whether the Patriots shorten the drop, use play action or keep extra help in protection. Each answer changes the route distribution and Chicago’s coverage burden.
The Bears also have a personnel question at linebacker. If Edwards cannot play, note how Chicago handles early-down fits and underneath coverage. On the other side, New England’s cornerback absences may influence how often the Patriots can play tight man coverage against Luther Burden III and Chicago’s other receivers.
Factors to watch
- New England’s starting guards and help assignments.
- Chicago’s pressure without sacrificing contain on Maye.
- Byard, Woodson and Moses in the final active list.
- Early-down efficiency before third-down distance changes the call sheet.
Market snapshot and source check
Source: DraftKings odds displayed by ESPN’s game page, checked October 22, 2026, 7:25 a.m. EDT. Displayed line: CHI -3; total 50.5. This is a timestamped source snapshot, not a closing-line claim or a betting recommendation. Scheduled starters and availability may change before the game.
