The NFC North has been on an absolute tear, and Thursday night finally offers a chance for some non-division action to shake things up, with the 4-2 Chicago Bears hosting the equally 4-2 New England Patriots. This isn’t just another Thursday night game, folks, it looks like a surprisingly good matchup that carries big implications for the entire division.
The North’s Unbeaten Run Hits Thursday Night
Let’s be real, the NFC North has been dominating. Outside of our friends, the Detroit Lions, the last time an NFC North team lost a game that wasn’t against another division rival was the Green Bay Packers way back in Week 3. Since then, the Packers have ripped off three straight wins. The Minnesota Vikings? They have yet to lose a single game this season. And the Bears, while sitting at a respectable 4-2, have only dropped games to teams within the NFC North itself. This Thursday night clash with the surging New England Patriots is exactly the kind of non-division challenge this red-hot division needs.
Caleb Williams and Drake Maye: Battle of the Turnarounds
Both of these 4-2 teams are coming in hot, but they got here in different ways. The New England Patriots looked shaky at a 1-2 start, but they have absolutely righted the ship, racking up three straight wins against the Bills, Raiders, and Jets. Quarterback Drake Maye is looking much, much better than he did early in 2026. On the other side, the Chicago Bears looked a lot better last week with Caleb Williams back behind center. They took care of the Atlanta Falcons in quick fashion, even if they nearly let a three-touchdown lead slip away. This game pits two 4-2 squads, both with recent momentum and improved quarterback play, against each other in what’s shaping up to be a must-watch primetime showdown.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 22, because this one kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET from Soldier Field in Chicago. You can catch all the action on Prime Video or Twitch. And if you are looking for real-time reactions and debate, jump into the SB Nation app’s “NFL” community live chat. This isn’t just another Thursday night game, folks, it is a barometer for two 4-2 teams and a massive shake-up opportunity for a red-hot NFC North.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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