This is one of the most interesting and compelling games of the schedule for Week 9 and the first half of the NFL season. The Green Bay Packers are starting to find their offensive rhythm with Jordan Love improving on a week-by-week basis, but the team is still waiting for Micah Parsons to return to help the defense assert itself.
The New England Patriots are in full stride at the moment. After losing two of their first three games and looking like last year's Super Bowl champions might take a step or two backwards, the Patriots have found their stride once again. It certainly begins with Drake Maye, who is starting to make a case as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but it goes much deeper than that.
The Patriots have been getting excellent play from their offensive line and running back Rhamondre Stevenson is one of the most dependable players that head coach Mike Vrabel has on his roster. His presence is a security blanket to the rest of the team.
While the Patriots are feeling better about themselves on an every-week basis, the defense is also getting the job done. New England ranks 9th in scoring defense, as the Patriots are giving up 20.3 points per game. However, the Packers may be encouraged when they look at the New England pass defense because that unit is only slightly better than average, ranking 13th in the league.
Jordan Love will throw for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns
The Packers would like to come at the Patriots with a balanced, versatile and unpredictable attack. The return of Josh Jacobs from the commissioner's exempt list gave head coach Matt LaFleur a solid option running the ball. However, recent allegations of additional domestic violence incidents against Jacobs could result in additional discipline by the NFL.
While he is still eligible at this moment, LaFleur might want to bypass that portion of the gameplan. As a result, it will be on Love to direct a consistent offensive attack, and he will be under significant pressure from the Patriots' aggressive defense.
Love is one of the best pure passers in the game, and if the offensive line gives him protection, he can drive the Green Bay attack.
Love has completed 192 of 312 passes for 2,246 yards and is averaging 280.8 yards per game. He has thrown 16 TD passes and 6 interceptions.
He has a trio of receivers who are likely to cause problems in Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and TE Tucker Kraft. Watson's speed, route running and dependable hands should help the Patriots stay in this vital road game.
Look for Love to connect with Watson for at least one key touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Maye will approach 225 passing yards and 2 touchdowns
Look for Maye to be turned on to the maximum level for this matchup with Love. He knows that Love throws one of the best deep balls in the league, and Maye wants to compete with him in all areas.
While Love is also a good runner who can escape the pass rush, Maye excels in that area. Look for Maye to show off those running skill early in the game, and that will force the Packers to employ a spy who will attempt to contain the quarterback. That's when Maye will start to show off his pinpoint passing.
The Patriots quarterback has completed 157 of 234 passes for 1,983 yards with 15 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. In addition to those numbers, his confidence is sky high.
While the Patriots have not gotten the production from former Eagles wideout A.J. Brown, he can depend on wide receiver DeMario Douglas and tight end Hunter Henry to show off their productivity against Green Bay's eighth-ranked pass defense.
Stevenson will rush for 75-plus yards and 1 TD
The Patriots have one of the most underrated running backs in the game in Rhamondre Stevenson. While he is not a gamebreaker in terms of speed, he understands all aspects of the game. He runs well between the tackles and he will finish off his rushing attempts with power.
Article Continues BelowHe knows how to set up his blockers and accelerate at the right moment. The Patriots have TreVeyon Henderson — when healthy — to show off his skills as a speed back. However, it is Stevenson who is a difference maker and will give the Patriots the edge they need to beat a solid opponent.
Patriots will outlast Packers and earn 27-24 triumph
The escape factor that Maye provides will allow him to buy extra time and create more plays for the Patriots. This will allow them to maintain possession and sustain their drives. He will also get a huge lift from Stevenson, who is simply a winner and will come through when the game is on the line.
The Packers will push the Patriots to the limit, but the Pats will have the benefit of their homefield, as well as their two key difference makers. New England comes away with this exciting and well-played victory.