Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will forever be intertwined. They went into college in 2021 and had successful careers before being drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams was selected No. 1 overall and Maye was selected No. 3 overall.

Now, for the first time since their rookie seasons, these quarterbacks will have the chance to face each other on Thursday Night Football. Maye won that game 19-3. But the Bears are a much different team than they were in 2024 and head coach Ben Johnson’s offense allows Williams to do what he does best.

Prior to their game, Maye described what he has seen from Williams in the NFL and what makes him special.

“He’s special in a way he can move and kind of escape and evade pressure and throwing on the run is pretty cool to watch,” Maye said. “So I don’t know if I’m that shifty in the pocket. He can do some cool things. And he’s got crazy arm talent and it’s fun to watch. But I wouldn’t say it feel - I don’t know if I’m that flexible to try some of those things. But I think the way he plays the game is cool. And I know he’s doing a great job.”

Williams has faced the No. 2 overall pick, Jayden Daniels, twice. Daniels won the first matchup when they were rookies, but Williams got his revenge during the 2025 season in prime time. He will be hoping for the same result on Thursday against Maye.

Both quarterbacks have been playing well as Williams completed over 80 percent of his passes in last week’s win against the Atlanta Falcons while Maye has 10 touchdown passes in the past three games.