The Green Bay Packers (5-3) and New England Patriots (5-3) meet Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in a key Week 9 NFL matchup. Both teams sit firmly in the playoff picture, setting up a test of strengths and weaknesses for each side.
Drake Maye Sacked Twice, Throws an Interception
The Patriots offensive line is missing left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and right guard Mike Onwenu, both on injured reserve. Green Bay's defense has recorded 15 sacks and forced eight interceptions over the last five games. Quarterback Drake Maye has thrown three interceptions this season when pressured, per PFF, and may be without receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. If Brown is out, Green Bay's corners should hold up in coverage, allowing the pass rush to sack Maye twice and force a turnover.
Christian Gonzalez Shuts Down Christian Watson
Green Bay boasts one of the NFL's best deep passing attacks, with Christian Watson (42 receptions, 708 yards, 6 touchdowns) and Matthew Golden (43 receptions, 619 yards, 4 touchdowns) both on pace for 1,200-plus receiving yards and nine-plus scores. New England can neutralize one of them, likely Watson, as All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez matches up well with his size and speed. Gonzalez has allowed just 6.1 yards per target this season and a 77.8 passer rating when targeted, which could limit explosive plays and help the Patriots exploit Green Bay's offensive line.
Rhamondre Stevenson Puts Up 100-Plus Scrimmage Yards
The Patriots backfield belongs to veteran Rhamondre Stevenson. TreVeyon Henderson may return from illness but has played fewer than 30 snaps in every game since the opener. Stevenson handled 22 touches last week in Miami and is projected for 18-plus touches Sunday. Green Bay's defense has allowed 7.1 yards per reception and 33.6 receiving yards per game to running backs in 2026, while New England's offensive line ranks third in ESPN run-block win rate at 76 percent. The setup favors Stevenson to surpass 100 scrimmage yards and find the end zone.
Jordan Love Throws for 250-Plus Yards and Three Touchdowns
New England enters Week 9 with the fourth-highest blitz rate (35.3 percent) but only the 13th-best pressure rate (22.8 percent). Blitzing Jordan Love is risky; he has faced the seventh-highest blitz rate (40.5 percent) and leads the league in passing yards (939) and is tied for the most passing touchdowns (nine) when blitzed. Even with Gonzalez covering Watson, Matthew Golden, tight end Tucker Kraft, and Savion Williams present significant matchup problems. Love is expected to throw for 250-plus yards and three scores.
Final Score Prediction: Packers 24, Patriots 21
Neither team is fully healthy. The Patriots' offense would gain confidence if Brown returns, but that remains uncertain. Inconsistency and a lack of playmakers against Green Bay's aggressive defense could keep Maye from an elite performance. Conversely, the Packers lack a consistent run game and their passing attack carries volatility. Overall, Green Bay holds a slight edge in touchdown production, pointing to a close contest decided in the final moments.
