An intriguing inter-conference matchup kicks off Week 7’s NFL slate. The Patriots (4-2) have bounced back, reeling off three straight wins. Quarterback Drake Maye is finally looking like the player that finished runner up in last season’s MVP voting. Can New England’s gunslinger keep the good times rolling against the Bears (4-2) this evening in primetime?
The Bears enter Thursday’s contest as three-point favorites over the Patriots. Let’s break down the best Drake Maye prop bet available tonight on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Drake Maye Passing Yards Prop Bet vs. Bears
To say this season has been a roller coaster for Maye is putting it lightly. Things were looking rough at first, due in large part to the 24-year-old’s knack for turning the ball over. That’s been corrected in recent weeks, and positive results for this entire offense have followed. Over his last three games, Maye has thrown for 878 yards, ten touchdowns and just one interception. To boot, he’s scrambled for 103 rushing yards and an additional score during that time.
Maye’s recent string of success does come with a slight disclaimer. None of the defenses he’s faced over the past few weeks have been particularly impressive. The Bills and Raiders both rank within the league’s bottom five units in yards allowed per game. Last week’s opponent, the Jets, have been decent in the secondary. Still, it’s not as if New York is impossible to pass against.
On paper, today’s matchup could present some difficulty for Maye. Chicago’s secondary has allowed 1,368 passing yards to opponents, 16th in the NFL. However, that mark has been buoyed by a lack of opportunity for opposing passers. Teams have thrown the ball just 163 times against the Bears, third-fewest in football. However, the team has allowed the league’s second-most yards per pass attempt (8.4). A big-armed quarterback such as Maye should have no issue stretching the field.
Keep in mind, this Patriots offense has been shorthanded for most of the year. High-priced acquisition A.J. Brown returned to the field last Sunday following a five-week hiatus. The former Pro Bowler wasn’t terrific against the Jets, but he was shaking off the rust. Brown’s mere presence on the field should open things up for New England’s other weapons. It’s worth mentioning that Maye led the NFL with 8.9 yards per pass attempt last season. He’s tied for seventh in that statistic in 2026 (8.0 Y/A).
Even against a stout Pats defense, Chicago’s explosive offense should make its fair share of big plays. In an effort to keep up with Caleb Williams, Maye will need to move the ball. As previously mentioned, Chicago’s pass defense is suspect at best. The two best quarterbacks the Bears have played so far, Bryce Young and Jordan Love, racked up 360+ passing yards. A prolific outing from New England’s leading man wouldn’t come as a shock tonight.
Best Bet: Drake Maye 250+ passing yards (-110)
