First-quarter edge holds up
Chicago took a 10-point lead in the opening quarter and finished with a 30-24 victory over New England at Soldier Field in Week 7. The Bears improved to 5-2, while the Patriots fell to 4-3 after consecutive wins over the Raiders and Jets. The early margin supplied the difference. New England outscored Chicago 14-10 in the second quarter to reach halftime down 20-14, but the teams matched each other’s scoring in both remaining quarters. Each scored seven points in the third and three in the fourth, leaving the Patriots unable to erase the six-point gap.
Williams and Burden lead Chicago
Caleb Williams completed 22 of 33 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns, with another 18 yards on five carries. Luther Burden III turned four targets into four catches for 130 yards and a touchdown, giving Chicago its biggest receiving performance. Colston Loveland drew 12 targets and finished with seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Rome Odunze added four receptions for 69 yards on five targets. D’Andre Swift handled 22 carries for 78 yards and a rushing touchdown, plus four catches for 12 yards. Chicago followed its Week 6 win at Atlanta with another victory after losing to Green Bay in Week 5.
Maye produces in defeat
Drake Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 321 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran four times for 26 yards and a touchdown. Rhamondre Stevenson contributed far more through the air than on the ground. He caught all five targets for 93 yards and a touchdown, compared with 22 yards on six carries. Hunter Henry caught all seven targets for 71 yards, while Eli Raridon added three receptions for 56 yards and a score. A.J. Brown finished with three catches for 48 yards on six targets.
Fantasy production favors the passing games
Maye led the game with 27.4 PPR points despite the loss. Burden’s 23.7 points paced Chicago, with his receiving yardage and touchdown driving that total on just four catches. Stevenson’s receiving work lifted him to 22.5 PPR points despite limited rushing production. Williams scored 22.1, Loveland finished with 19.9 and Swift added 19.0. Loveland’s 12 targets also gave him the largest receiving workload among the listed players.
Week 8 brings road trips
New England visits Miami on Nov. 1 at 4:25 p.m. ET. Chicago heads to Seattle on Nov. 2 for an 8:15 p.m. ET matchup.