4 Key Bears Matchup in Week 7 vs. Patriots

Gonzalez isn’t just a boundary cornerback. He can follow an opposing team’s top receiver, as we’ve seen multiple times this season. However, this matchup could give New England some flexibility to move him between receivers, depending on the situation.

Burden had a stellar Week 6 performance and is beginning to make a strong case as the Bears’ WR1. Odunze, meanwhile, could see more opportunities with Williams back in the lineup. The question is which receiver Gonzalez will primarily cover and whether the Patriots will move him around to disrupt Chicago’s passing game.

Dre’Mont Jones vs. Darnell Wright

Jones hasn’t been as productive as the Patriots hoped when they brought him in, but he’s still posted some solid numbers through six games. He has recorded 14 pressures, 11 total tackles and four run stuffs.

Make no mistake, though: Jones will look to replicate the success Green Bay’s edge defenders had against Chicago in Week 5. Wright has been stellar this season, but that game showed how opposing pass rushers can still give him trouble. Jones will look to exploit any similar weaknesses and disrupt the Bears’ offense.

Austin Booker vs. Will Campbell

Booker has been stellar this season, while Campbell has taken significant strides in 2026. Their matchup could prove decisive on Thursday night, particularly for the Bears’ defense.

When Campbell loses his battles up front, Maye faces more pressure and can become erratic. Chicago could look to exploit that vulnerability by putting Booker in favorable pass-rushing situations and forcing the Patriots quarterback to make uncomfortable decisions.

Malik Muhammad and Jaylon Johnson vs. A.J. Brown

Brown didn’t light up the stat sheet in his Week 6 return from injured reserve. However, he remains a big-play threat, and the Bears have been vulnerable to explosive plays this season. Keeping him under control will be a significant challenge for Chicago’s defense.

Muhammad and Johnson will likely each face Brown several times throughout the game. Neither cornerback is expected to shadow him exclusively, but the Patriots could try to create favorable matchups and generate big plays against the Bears’ secondary. Chicago’s ability to limit Brown’s impact could be crucial to its chances of coming away with a win.