The New England Patriots head to Tampa Bay for week 10’s game of the week. Probably the toughest game on the schedule for the Pats – we’re less than a day away.
The Planet crew has their picks in!
Scotty B (@patsplanetmedia/@patsplanetprez)
Score: Patriots – 31, Buccaneers – 34 / OVERTIME
Player Spotlight: Kyle Williams (5 rec. 60 yards, 1 TD)
Mismatch to watch: Pats TE’s/RB’s in passing game
This is going to disappoint some readers—and that’s fine. It hurts me to pick against the Patriots, but this is how I’ve felt from the get-go. Back in May—or should I say Maye?—I predicted a 12-5 record for the Pats, with losses to the Steelers, Bills, Ravens, Bengals, and, you guessed it… the Bucs.
I predicted a breakout season for Drake Maye, and that’s exactly where we’re at right now. It’s been a successful season aside from the slow 1-2 start. The Patriots have won six straight and boast a 7-2 record heading into Tampa. They’re a perfect 4-0 on the road.
My prediction isn’t a knock on the Patriots. I see both offenses exploding, despite injuries on both sides. Yes, the Pats will be without Rhamondre and Kayshon Boutte, and the Bucs will be without Irving, Godwin, and Evans—but I believe it’ll come down to the quarterbacks. Drake Maye and Baker Mayfield are going to show up and show out in a game that all eyes will be on.
Everyone will be watching. This is one of those games you expect to be great—and it delivers. It has Game of the Year potential. I believe we’ll see a slow start from both offenses, but by the second quarter, both teams get rolling.
This game will come down to the last possession, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it takes to overtime to decide it. It may very well be decided by one turnover—but which defense will force it?
Obviously – I’ll be hoping to be wrong this week in regard to the final score! GO PATS
Ethan (@TheBostonBuzzer)
Score: Patriots – 31, Buccaneers – 28
Player Spotlight: Stefon Diggs – 6 Rec, 98 yds, 1 TD
I think this is a game where the Patriots are playing with a bit of house money. It is a spot where they can afford a loss, with a seemingly easy Jets game coming up next Thursday. I think they go out there and play loose, looking to extend their winning streak to seven and deliver another signature win. That being said, beating the Buccaneers down in Tampa is no easy task. Despite crippling injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving the Bucs offense has remained steady behind their fearless leader Baker Mayfield. With the Pats defense being susceptible to the pass, I expect this weakness to be exploited and for Baker to create his handful of explosive downfield plays.
Tampa’s offense will score their points, but the defense will get a few stops in big moments and give Maye and McDaniels a chance to win late. As it has in countless games this year, the Patriots offense will put on a show in the Sunshine State. Although they’re dealing with their own set of injuries, the Pats will find ways to get points on the board. After dealing with two of the top passing defenses in the league in the Browns and the Falcons, Drake will feast against this middling Bucs defense. He will rely on his buddy Stefon Diggs down the stretch and will secure the win in a must-watch shootout. Andy Borregales will put the nail in the coffin with his second game-winning field goal of the season and will send Vrabel and the boys back up North with an 8-2 record going into a TNF showdown with the Jets.
Dom (@ZeroChillSports)
Score: Patriots 30, Buccaneers 26
Player Spotlight: Drake Maye
The Patriots enter this matchup undermanned, with both Kayshon Boutte and Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined. Against an electric Buccaneers defense, that could spell trouble early. However, Drake Maye has shown poise beyond his years, and this feels like another game where he settles in and delivers in key moments. This game may determine the MVP Front Runner. 2nd year Drake Maye or former draft BUST Baker Mayfield. And I think Sunday will prove “it’s gonna be Maye”
For Tampa Bay, the offense will miss Mike Evans’ presence, leaving Emeka Egbuka as the likely focal point. His chemistry with Baker Mayfield has been building, and he could once again shine as a reliable target underneath and over the middle.
Expect a balanced Patriots attack led by Treyveon Henderson, who should find consistent success on the ground to keep the Bucs’ pass rush honest. I believe Stefon Diggs could have an impact, however I believe the Bucs Secondary will shut him down.
Key Predictions:
- Treyveon Henderson: 95 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Drake Maye: 2 passing TDs, 0 INTs
- Patriots’ defense: 2 sacks, 1 forced turnover
There you have it! Make sure you follow all of the writer’s on the team and check back each and every Saturday to catch our predictions.
Go PATS!
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