The Green Bay Packers (5-3) and New England Patriots (5-3) meet Sunday at Gillette Stadium in a key Week 9 NFL matchup with both teams firmly in the playoff picture. Here are five bold predictions for the game.
1. Drake Maye Sacked Twice, Throws 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. Maye has thrown three interceptions this season when pressured, per PFF, and may be without top receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. That could allow the Packers to sack Maye twice and force a turnover.
2. Christian Gonzalez Shuts Down Christian Watson
Packers receivers Christian Watson (42 catches, 708 yards, 6 TDs) and Matthew Golden (43-619-4) are both on pace for 1,200+ yards and nine-plus touchdowns. However, Patriots All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez has allowed just 6.1 yards per target and a 77.8 passer rating when targeted. His size-speed matchup favors neutralizing Watson, limiting Green Bay's explosive plays.
3. Rhamondre Stevenson Posts 100+ Scrimmage Yards and a Touchdown
With TreVeyon Henderson still limited, the backfield belongs to Stevenson, who handled 22 touches last week. The Packers have 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 (76%). Expect 18-plus touches and a 100-yard scrimmage performance with a score.
4. Jordan Love Throws for 250+ Yards and Three Touchdowns
New England blitzes at the NFL's fourth-highest rate (35.3%) but generates pressure only 22.8% of the time (13th). Love has faced the seventh-highest blitz rate (40.5%) and leads the league with 939 passing yards and nine touchdowns when blitzed. With Gonzalez likely on Watson, Love should exploit Golden, tight end Tucker Kraft, and Savion Williams for a big day.
5. Packers Edge Patriots 24-21
Neither team is fully healthy. The Patriots' offense lacks consistency and playmakers without Brown, while Green Bay's run game is virtually absent. However, the Packers' aggressive defense and Love's ability to punish blitzes give them a slight edge in a game expected to come down to the wire.
