Three years ago, talking heads, pundits, and fans fired their takes on whether Caleb Williams or Drake Maye would have the better career. Some called both of them busts; others thought they'd both be stars. Fast forward to today, and the latter might've been onto something.
Maye and Williams both took a huge leap in year two, and they're looking to carry that momentum into their third campaign. Now, they'll square off for the second time as professionals, this time on Thursday Night Football.
Both teams are severely banged up and on a short week, so anything can happen in this matchup. With that in mind, we'll fire away our three boldest predictions for one of the season's most exciting games.
3 bold predidctions for the Patriots' road matchup with the Bears
Drake Maye will throw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns
Drake Maye finally bounced back after a worrisome start to the season. The Patriots' signal-caller has taken better care of the football, gotten all his pass-catchers involved, and finally found his groove.
Now, he'll face a shaky Bears secondary that has had some trouble in coverage. A.J. Brown shook off the rust in his quiet return against the New York Jets, and he should be looking forward to making a statement against the struggling Jaylon Johnson.
Neither team will register a sack
This will be quite the battle in the trenches. The Bears will have their backup defensive line facing the Patriots' backup offensive line, a group that did a solid job in the win over the Jets and should hold its own here.
On the other side of the field, the Patriots' pass rush will face a tough task against the Bears' elite offensive line. As a result, we can expect both quarterbacks to stand tall in the pocket and avoid most hits.
Patriots will win on a game-winning field goal
We expect an absolute shootout between the Patriots' improving offense and Ben Johnson's plethora of playmakers. Both teams will eclipse 30 points, and both quarterbacks will make their fantasy football managers extremely happy.
Ultimately, though, you have to get stops to win in this league, and the Patriots have a clear edge there. We expect them to hold the Bears down the stretch, with Maye marching down the field to drive in a game-winning field goal.
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