Thursday Night Football features an intriguing matchup between the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears, with both teams entering Week 7 at 4-2. Drake Maye has helped New England win three consecutive games, while Caleb Williams returned from injury in Week 6 and immediately helped Chicago score 31 points against Atlanta. However, the Patriots will be without multiple starters along their offensive line and several defensive backs, creating some interesting fantasy football opportunities on both sides of the matchup.
The injuries are particularly important for Chicago’s passing attack, with Carlton Davis III, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada officially ruled out. New England will also be without starting guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown, although its replacement linemen performed well in relief against the Jets. Meanwhile, Kyle Monangai has been ruled out for the Bears, opening the door for Roschon Johnson to handle another meaningful workload behind D’Andre Swift. With changing offensive roles, injuries and several important individual matchups to consider, here’s who I’m starting, sitting and targeting as a sneaky streamer for Week 7.
Lineup Locks
Drake Maye, QB (NE)
D’Andre Swift, RB (CHI)
Strong Starts
Caleb Williams, QB (CHI)
Caleb Williams returned against Atlanta and completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a 111.2 passer rating. He completed his first 12 attempts and helped Chicago score 31 points while converting four of five red-zone opportunities. Through three appearances, Williams has thrown for 712 yards and three touchdowns while adding 110 rushing yards and two scores on 19 carries. His rushing production was limited to three yards against Atlanta, but that dual-threat ability remains an important part of his fantasy ceiling. More importantly, Chicago’s passing attack looked considerably more efficient with Williams back under center.
New England ranks 14th in passing EPA allowed through six weeks, making this a manageable matchup for a quarterback coming off his most efficient performance of the season. The Patriots will also have a depleted secondary, creating opportunities for Chicago’s receivers to exploit favorable coverage assignments. With Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland coming off productive performances, Williams has multiple options capable of attacking different areas of the field. I’m starting Williams as a QB1 because of his improved passing efficiency, rushing upside and the opportunity to capitalize on New England’s weakened secondary.
Luther Burden III, WR (CHI)
Luther Burden III caught all eight of his targets for 95 yards against Atlanta, finishing with 17.5 PPR points while leading Chicago in receptions, targets and receiving yards. What makes that performance particularly impressive is that he played just 30 of 77 offensive snaps, representing a 39% snap share. Burden has averaged 11.6 yards per reception and 5.2 yards after the catch, giving him the ability to create production without relying exclusively on deep targets. His receiving role has also been versatile, with approximately 51% of his snaps coming from the slot, allowing Chicago to move him around the formation.
New England’s depleted secondary creates an appealing matchup, particularly for a receiver who spends significant time in the slot and isn’t guaranteed to face Christian Gonzalez on every route. The Patriots have allowed productive performances to Jakobi Meyers, Khalil Shakir and Omar Cooper, demonstrating that receivers can generate meaningful production against this defense when avoiding the Christian Gonzalez matchup. Burden’s 39% snap share remains a concern, however, because eight targets on just 30 snaps is difficult to sustain consistently. He’ll need either more playing time or another concentrated target share to deliver WR2 production. I’m still starting Burden as a WR2 because his ability to earn targets and generate yards after the catch gives him a strong opportunity against New England’s weakened secondary.
A.J. Brown, WR (NE)
A.J. Brown returned against the Jets and immediately commanded a team-high 10 targets, although he caught just three passes for 27 yards. Brown played 76.5% of New England’s offensive snaps after missing four games, and his three drops contributed to the disappointing production. However, the receiving opportunities were considerably more encouraging than the final box score, particularly with Drake Maye repeatedly looking in his direction. Brown also indicated that his ankle wasn’t bothering him during the game, suggesting his struggles weren’t necessarily caused by a physical limitation. With New England’s receiving corps depleted, Brown should remain one of the primary options in the passing attack.
Chicago has generated pressure on 30.2% of opposing dropbacks, creating some concerns for a Patriots offensive line missing both starting guards. However, the Bears are also dealing with reduced pass-rushing depth, which could give Maye more opportunities to attack downfield. Brown’s 10 targets in his first game back are the biggest reason I’m confident in his fantasy outlook, especially with fewer established receivers competing for opportunities. Even if Chicago limits explosive plays, that kind of target volume creates a dependable path toward receptions and yardage. I’m treating Brown as a strong WR2 with WR1 upside because his opportunity remains substantial despite the disappointing Week 6 production.
Colston Loveland, TE (CHI)
Colston Loveland delivered his best performance of the season against Atlanta, catching six of seven targets for 65 yards and a touchdown while finishing with 18.5 PPR points. His involvement has increased significantly, playing 88% of Chicago’s offensive snaps and running 32 routes against the Falcons after handling approximately 80% of the snaps the previous week. Loveland was involved immediately with Caleb Williams, catching three passes on Chicago’s opening possession before scoring a touchdown. He also nearly added another score later in the game, demonstrating his growing involvement near the goal line. The combination of increased playing time, receiving routes and red-zone opportunities makes his recent breakout particularly encouraging.
New England has been effective against opposing tight ends, so this isn’t necessarily an easy matchup for Loveland. However, the Patriots’ depleted secondary could create additional opportunities underneath, particularly if Chicago uses Loveland to attack favorable matchups against linebackers and replacement defensive backs. His 32 routes against Atlanta are especially important because they demonstrate that his increased playing time is translating into actual receiving opportunities rather than additional blocking responsibilities. I’m starting Loveland as a TE1 because his role is expanding with Williams back under center, and his involvement near the goal line gives him meaningful touchdown upside even against a difficult defense.
Sit ‘Em
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB (NE)
Rhamondre Stevenson’s fantasy outlook continues moving in the wrong direction after another inefficient performance against the Jets. Stevenson finished with 14 carries for just 36 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per attempt, while Corey Kiner handled 11 carries for 57 yards. Kiner’s involvement was particularly notable because he received much of his work during the fourth quarter as New England protected its lead, although that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s permanently overtaken Stevenson in the rotation. Stevenson still played 41 of New England’s 68 offensive snaps, representing a 60.3% snap share, compared with 23.5% for TreVeyon Henderson and 17.6% for Kiner. That playing-time advantage is important because Stevenson remains New England’s primary running back, even if his rushing efficiency has been disappointing. However, the Patriots’ willingness to distribute touches among multiple backs creates uncertainty about his weekly workload and scoring opportunities.
The matchup becomes particularly concerning when considering New England’s offensive-line injuries. The Bears have generated pressure on 30.2% of opposing dropbacks, although that figure measures pass-rushing effectiveness rather than run defense. Stevenson’s 60.3% snap share gives him a better workload projection than Henderson or Kiner, but his inefficient rushing production and increased competition make him difficult to trust. I’m keeping Stevenson on the bench in standard leagues and treating him as a low-end RB3 or flex option in deeper formats rather than a dependable Week 7 starter.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB (NE)
TreVeyon Henderson’s disappointing season continued against the Jets, as he remained a secondary option in New England’s increasingly crowded backfield. Henderson played just 16 of the Patriots’ 68 offensive snaps, representing a 23.5% snap share, while Stevenson handled 41 snaps and Kiner received 12. Henderson also lost a fumble in the third quarter, giving New York an opportunity to cut into New England’s lead. His reduced playing time is particularly concerning because he was already dealing with a high-ankle sprain entering the matchup. Henderson was a full participant in practice early in the week, suggesting his ankle is improving, but that doesn’t guarantee an immediate increase in offensive involvement. The Patriots have continued relying on Stevenson for the majority of their backfield snaps, while Kiner’s productive fourth-quarter performance adds another potential competitor for touches.
Henderson’s explosive ability gives him a higher ceiling than his recent fantasy production suggests, but Chicago isn’t an appealing opponent for a running back with such an uncertain workload. Henderson also hasn’t established the receiving involvement necessary to overcome limited carries in PPR formats, making him increasingly dependent on explosive runs or touchdowns. The most frustrating part is that his talent remains appealing, but New England hasn’t demonstrated that it’s ready to make him a significant part of its weekly offensive game plan. I’m sitting Henderson until his playing time improves because relying on one explosive play isn’t a dependable fantasy strategy. He’s a bench stash with upside rather than a realistic RB2 or flex starter entering Week 7.
Rome Odunze, WR (CHI)
Rome Odunze was one of the few Chicago receiving options who failed to capitalize on Caleb Williams’ return against Atlanta, catching three of four targets for just 39 yards. His 6.9 PPR points were particularly disappointing considering Williams completed 30 passes for 305 yards, while Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland combined for 14 receptions and 160 yards. More importantly, Odunze’s target share dropped to approximately 12.5% after sitting around 22% the previous week, despite playing 74 of Chicago’s 77 offensive snaps. He also ran a route on approximately 97.6% of the team’s dropbacks, demonstrating that his disappointing production wasn’t caused by reduced playing time. Through six weeks, Odunze has recorded 20 receptions for 312 yards on 33 targets, averaging 15.6 yards per reception with a 14.1-yard average depth of target. His downfield receiving role provides explosive-play upside, but it also makes him more dependent on difficult throws than Burden, who has generated more consistent production underneath.
Odunze’s declining target involvement is my biggest concern, and his matchup against New England doesn’t make me any more comfortable. He plays approximately 81% of his snaps out wide, making him more likely to encounter Christian Gonzalez than Burden, who frequently moves into the slot. Gonzalez returned against the Jets and helped New England limit Garrett Wilson to just 44 receiving yards. The Patriots have also been particularly effective against deep passes over a broader defensive sample, creating additional concerns for a receiver averaging 14.1 yards of target depth. However, New England’s depleted cornerback depth could create favorable individual matchups, so Gonzalez’s exact coverage assignment shouldn’t be treated as guaranteed. Even with those potential opportunities, Odunze received just four targets while running routes on nearly every dropback against Atlanta. I’m keeping him on the bench as a touchdown-dependent WR4 or flex option until his receiving volume improves.
Hunter Henry, TE (NE)
Hunter Henry found the end zone against the Jets, catching a seven-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye during the fourth quarter of New England’s 26-19 victory. However, the touchdown masked a relatively modest receiving performance in an offense that distributed its three passing scores among Henry, Demario Douglas and Romeo Doubs. Henry played 52 of New England’s 68 offensive snaps, representing a 76.5% snap share, but Eli Raridon also remained heavily involved with 39 snaps. That personnel usage is important because New England frequently uses multiple-tight-end formations, although Raridon’s playing time doesn’t automatically mean Henry is running fewer receiving routes. Henry remains an important part of New England’s offense, particularly near the goal line, but his Week 6 touchdown was more encouraging than his overall receiving production.
Henry’s touchdown upside remains appealing, but Brown’s return and Douglas’ increased involvement create competition for receiving opportunities, while Raridon’s role adds uncertainty about how New England will distribute tight end responsibilities. I’m treating Henry as a touchdown-dependent TE2 rather than a dependable weekly starter, although a larger-than-expected receiving role could make that recommendation look conservative.
Kalif Raymond, WR (CHI)
Kalif Raymond has remained involved in Chicago’s receiving rotation, but his production has been difficult to trust for fantasy football. Against Atlanta, Raymond caught both of his targets for 18 yards despite Caleb Williams throwing for 305 yards and completing 30 passes. His limited involvement was particularly concerning because Chicago’s offense was operating efficiently, yet Raymond still finished behind Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze in receiving production. Raymond played 36 of Chicago’s 77 offensive snaps, representing approximately 47% participation, which was actually more than Burden’s 39% snap share. However, Burden commanded eight targets compared with just two for Raymond, demonstrating how differently the Bears distribute receiving opportunities despite both players rotating through the offense. Raymond’s versatility gives Chicago flexibility to use him in different alignments, but his playing time hasn’t consistently translated into meaningful fantasy production.
New England’s depleted secondary creates an opportunity for Chicago’s receivers to generate more production, but Raymond’s limited target involvement makes it difficult to trust him as a fantasy starter. The Patriots will be without Carlton Davis III, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada, potentially forcing inexperienced defensive backs into larger coverage roles. However, Burden’s ability to move between the slot and perimeter makes him a more appealing option to exploit those weaknesses, while Loveland has become increasingly involved in the middle of the field. Raymond can still generate an occasional explosive play, but his two targets against Atlanta are particularly concerning because Williams was playing efficiently and Chicago still didn’t need to involve him frequently. I’m keeping Raymond on the bench in standard fantasy leagues and treating him as a deep-league option rather than a realistic WR3 or flex starter. The matchup creates some upside, but his receiving opportunities remain too limited to trust.
Sneaky Streamers
Roschon Johnson, RB (CHI)
Roschon Johnson took advantage of Kyle Monangai’s absence against Atlanta, handling 13 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 34 yards. Johnson played 31 of Chicago’s 77 offensive snaps, representing approximately 40% participation, while D’Andre Swift handled 45 snaps and 21 total opportunities. Johnson’s workload was particularly encouraging because he remained involved despite losing a fumble, receiving five carries on Chicago’s final possession as the Bears protected their lead. His 15 total touches represented approximately 42% of the backfield opportunities, demonstrating that the Bears were comfortable using him alongside Swift rather than relying exclusively on their starting running back. Johnson finished with 14.5 PPR points after accounting for the lost fumble, providing useful fantasy production despite operating as Chicago’s secondary running back.
Monangai has officially been ruled out for Thursday night’s matchup against New England with thumb and toe injuries, creating another opportunity for Johnson to handle meaningful touches. The Patriots have been effective defensively, but their secondary injuries could make it more difficult to consistently commit additional defenders toward Chicago’s rushing attack. More importantly, Johnson’s Week 6 involvement provides a realistic foundation for double-digit touches if the Bears continue distributing backfield opportunities similarly. However, his 40% snap share and 15 touches shouldn’t be treated as guaranteed weekly workloads, particularly with Swift remaining Chicago’s primary running back. Swift also maintains the stronger receiving and goal-line role, limiting Johnson’s ceiling if Chicago doesn’t generate multiple scoring opportunities. I’m viewing Johnson as a sneaky RB3 or flex streamer because of Monangai’s absence and the potential for another meaningful workload behind Swift, but his value depends on the Bears maintaining a relatively balanced backfield rotation.
Demario Douglas, WR (NE)
Demario Douglas delivered his best performance of the season against the Jets, catching seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown in New England’s 26-19 victory. His 21.6 PPR points were particularly encouraging because A.J. Brown returned to the lineup and immediately commanded a team-high 10 targets, yet Douglas still managed to become the Patriots’ most productive receiver. Douglas played 40 of New England’s 68 offensive snaps, representing approximately 58.8% participation, demonstrating that he doesn’t need an every-down role to generate meaningful receiving production. His touchdown came on a nine-yard pass from Drake Maye late in the first half, while his seven receptions illustrated how effective he can be on shorter and intermediate passing concepts. New England also lost Romeo Doubs to a shoulder injury, and the Patriots subsequently placed him on injured reserve. With Mack Hollins also on injured reserve, Douglas has an opportunity to become an increasingly important part of the passing attack.
Chicago presents a challenging matchup because of its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, generating pressure on 30.2% of dropbacks through six weeks. His 58.8% snap share prevents me from treating him as a dependable weekly WR2, but the combination of recent production, injuries throughout New England’s receiving corps and potential short-area passing volume creates an appealing streaming opportunity. I’m viewing Douglas as a sneaky WR3 or flex start in PPR leagues, especially for fantasy managers dealing with injuries or bye weeks.t.
