Written by: Pats Planet Writing Team (Scotty, Ethan, Dom)
Welcome to another edition of predictions from the Pats Planet crew. The Patriots are currently riding a 5 game winning streak with a chance to make it 6 against the Falcons, who have been highly inconsistent this season.
The story of the season has been Drake Maye. But let’s give some appreciation to Josh McDaniels. He may not have a great track record as a head coach, but as an OC he’s always been elite. Whether it was Brady, even Mac Jones rookie season, or Maye now – the system in place favors QBs and spreading the ball around.
It has resulted in a successful first half of the season. Now – it’s time for the Atlanta Falcons to come to town. Drake Maye vs Michael Penix Jr.
Here’s the crew’s predictions:
This is going to be a close game throughout. The Falcons bring in the #1 ranked pass defense in the league. This will be a strength vs. strength match up when Drake Maye drops back to pass. However, I do not expect that to stop the Patriots offense from slinging it. I do expect a balanced attack, but Maye will continue to be productive and efficient.
Player Spotlight: Drake Maye – 22/28, 255 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 50 rush yards
Drake Maye will also add to the running game himself. The running game will also be very important for New England this week. The Patriots will be without Rhamondre, so TreVeyon and Terrell Jennings will have to step up. The Falcons give up almost 7 yards per carry against inside power runs. So even though TreVeyon had success running outside last week, I’m expecting inside runs to be favored in play selection. This is the game Patriots fans will point to and say “I TOLD YOU!” in regard to Henderson’s ability.
Score: Patriots 27 – Falcons 16
The Patriots will deliver another convincing win in front of their home fans. This is a game of strength-on-strength, with the Falcons looking to run their offense through the ground game and the Patriots having probably the best rushing defense in the league. I do think that Bijan will surpass the 50-yard mark, however the defense will do its job, largely keeping the Falcons out of the endzone and forcing Michael Penix into making tough throws. As he has done throughout the season, Penix will give the Pats chances to make big plays.
Player Spotlight: Marcus Jones – 2 PBU’s, INT, TD
Coming off of his AFC Defensive Player of the Month honor and his contract extension, Marcus Jones will take advantage of this. He will have a huge game, being highlighted by a pick-six that ultimately seals the game for the Patriots.
On offense, I do think the Falcons will limit some of Drake Maye’s downfield passing, but it won’t matter. Drake will take what the defense gives to him, getting the smaller gains and moving the chains. Stefon Diggs will have a big game, finishing somewhere around the 100 yard receiving mark and getting into the endzone for the second straight game. TreVeyon Henderson will also have to step into a bigger role with Rhamondre’s injury and I think he does his job, scoring his 2nd TD of the season. Ultimately, the Patriots will pull off yet another win and will head into a Week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers at 7-2.
Score: Patriots – 28, Falcons – 17
The New England Patriots enter this week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with momentum and high expectations. With TreVeyon Henderson set to make his first start due to Rhamondre Stevenson’s injury. Anticipation is building for what could be a breakout performance from the rookie running back. I’m predicting a 28–3 Patriots victory, with Henderson expected to play a key role in the offense.
Player Spotlight: TreVeyon Henderson – 100 yards rushing, 45 receiving yards, 1 total TD
His combination of speed, power, and field vision could be exactly what New England needs to establish control early. Meanwhile, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has continued to struggle with consistency, and facing a disciplined Patriots defense will only compound his issues. If New England executes its game plan, this could be a statement win — and the night TreVeyon Henderson announces his arrival.
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