Remember the early panic? Six interceptions in the first three games, a 1-2 start, and plenty of whispers. Now picture the New England Patriots at 4-2, with Drake Maye throwing touchdowns like it’s a hobby.
That’s quite a turnaround. Let’s break down what changed, where the Patriots stand, and what to expect when they visit the Bears on Thursday night.
How Did the Patriots Turn Their Season Around?
Short version: the quarterback settled in. Maye faced criticism after opening the season throwing six interceptions and losing a fumble. Then came a three-game run that changed everything. ESPN
What Happened in Each Win?
| Week | Opponent | Result | Maye’s line |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (Oct. 4) | at Bills | W 29-26 | 22-of-37, 269 yds, 3 TD, 2 turnovers |
| 5 (Oct. 11) | vs Raiders | W 45-17 | 26-of-34, 374 yds, 4 TD pass + 1 rush TD |
| 6 (Oct. 18) | vs Jets | W 26-19 | 18-of-32, 235 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT |
Sources: ESPN, AP, NBC Sports Boston (October 2026).
Maye overcame two turnovers with three touchdown passes against Buffalo. He then threw four touchdown passes and ran for another against Las Vegas, in his second 300-yard game. Think of it as a car that sputtered in the first few miles and then found top gear. ESPN
Why Did the Jets Game Matter?
Maye threw three touchdown passes for the third straight game, and New England overcame losing three offensive linemen. Cornerback Charles Woods came up with Geno Smith’s first interception of the season in the fourth quarter. CBS News
It wasn’t flawless. A pair of fumbles by TreVeyon Henderson and DeMario Douglas let the Jets get within a score. But a clock-killing field goal drive led by Maye and Corey Kiner sealed it. nbcsportsboston
Who Are the Key Players Right Now?
Here are the names driving the offense:
- Drake Maye (QB): He’s gone two straight games without a turnover after throwing seven interceptions in the first four. fantasypros
- DeMario Douglas (WR): A team-high seven catches for 86 yards against the Jets. CBS News
- Hunter Henry (TE): a steady red-zone target.
- Romeo Doubs (WR): His 42-yard touchdown catch gave New England the lead against the Jets. nbcsportsboston
What About A.J. Brown?
A.J. Brown played his first game since Week 1 and had several drops. He still hauled in three passes. It’s a bit like adding a Ferrari engine to a car that’s already speeding. The potential is big, but the parts need time to sync. nbcsportsboston fantasypros
When Do the Patriots Play Next?
New England visits Chicago on Thursday, October 22, with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game streams on Prime Video and airs locally on WCVB, with Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit and Kaylee Hartung on the call. patriots nbcsportsboston
It’s a short week. The Sun-Times notes it’s a worse time for the AFC champions to deal with such a quick turnaround. suntimes
What Are the Odds for Patriots at Bears?
Lines have moved:
- Opening: Patriots +2.5 with a total of 49.5. Sports Illustrated
- Later: Bears -3 and a total of 50.5. sportsbettingdime
- Moneyline: Patriots +124, Bears -148. Sports Illustrated
Movement toward Chicago often reflects injuries or sharp money. Always check the current line before kickoff.
Which Predictions Are Out There?
Opinions differ:
- Squawka: New England by 24-21, noting the Bears’ third-down defense keeps it close but Maye has the better supporting numbers. squawka
- Sun-Times writer: Bears, 35-19. suntimes
- Covers analyst: Leans Under, given that the Bears can grind out gains on the ground. covers
My take? It’s a coin flip with a Chicago tilt. Chicago has run for 964 yards, more than any team in the NFL. squawka
Patriots Injury Report: Who Might Miss Thursday?
Injuries are the biggest storyline. Offensive lineman Ben Brown (knee) did not practice Wednesday, and cornerback Channing Canada (hamstring) was limited. New England also lost three offensive linemen during the Jets game. A good thing: cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned from a two-game absence with a shoulder injury. www.patriots.com
Why Does the Offensive Line Matter So Much?
Quick thought experiment: if your quarterback is a painter, the offensive line is the canvas stretcher. Without it, the picture sags. Maye has praised his line, saying “they’re fighting their butts off.” patriots
How to Watch the Patriots This Week
- TV: Prime Video (national), WCVB in Boston.
- Streaming: Prime Video and NFL+.
- Time zones: 8:15 p.m. ET, 7:15 p.m. CT, 5:15 p.m. PT.
- UK fans: early Friday morning at 1:15 a.m. BST.
For more viewing help, check our guides on where to watch Lions vs Bengals and where to watch Cowboys vs Panthers.
More NFL Reads on Our Blog
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- Jets vs Cowboys: score and highlights
- Eagles’ blown-lead collapse
- Browns vs Vikings in London
- Saints rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry
- 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro
- Chargers vs Commanders preview
- Rams stunned in overtime by the 49ers
- Browse our full blog
FAQs About the Patriots
When do the Patriots play the Bears?
New England visits Chicago on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Soldier Field. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET for Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, with local coverage on WCVB in the Boston market.
What are the odds for Patriots at Bears?
Chicago opened as roughly a 2.5-point home favorite and moved to about 3 points at some books, with the total around 50.5. Spreads can shift, so check current lines before kickoff.
How has the Patriots’ 2026 season gone so far?
The Patriots are 4-2 after a 1-2 start, winning three straight over Buffalo, Las Vegas and the Jets. Drake Maye threw three or more touchdown passes in each of those games.
Who is injured on the Patriots?
Offensive lineman Ben Brown did not practice Wednesday because of a knee injury, and cornerback Channing Canada was limited with a hamstring issue. New England also lost three linemen during the Jets game.
Who is predicted to win Patriots vs Bears?
Predictions split since both teams are 4-2. Squawka projects New England 24-21, citing better protection for Maye, while a Chicago Sun-Times writer picked the Bears 35-19. Treat all picks as opinions, not guarantees.
Final Thoughts
The Patriots’ turnaround is one of the NFL’s better stories this month. Drake Maye cleaned up the turnovers, the receivers found their rhythm, and the team went from 1-2 to 4-2 with a three-game streak. Thursday’s trip to Chicago will test the offensive line, the short-week legs, and the defense’s ability to stop a top rushing attack. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, keep an eye on injury reports, confirm the Prime Video kickoff time, and enjoy a team that’s finally starting to click.
