The New England Patriots (5-3) return to Gillette Stadium to take on the Green Bay Packers (5-3) in a highly anticipated matchup.
With both teams sitting at 5-3, Sunday’s matchup presents an opportunity for the Patriots and Packers to build momentum heading into the second half of the season. New England will look to continue its offensive production behind quarterback Drake Maye, while Green Bay enters the matchup after a strong performance from Jordan Love, who threw for three touchdowns in its win over Carolina.
Storylines
Gronk’s Induction into Patriots HOF
Legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski will be inducted as the 38th Patriots hall of famer Saturday at 1 p.m. ET outside Patriot Place Plaza. Gronkowski will also be honored halftime of the game Sunday.
Brady’s return to Gillette
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady won six super bowls with the Patriots in addition also inducted into the Patriots hall of fame. Brady will be the color analyst for the game.
Deep Ball Action
Last week, the Patriots offense relied heavily on the deep ball to score. Maye’s two touchdowns were a 43-yard pass to WR Kyle Williams and a 48-yarder to WR Demario Douglas.
As for the Packers, Jordan Love is one of the best deep ball throwers in the league.
“Nobody’s had more 20-yard pass plays. A quarterback that’s wildly efficient. He has a few off days, but they’re few and far between,” Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel said.
Players to watch
Drake Maye
Maye has been the Patriots offensive player thus far. Since week 3, Maye has thrown 14 touchdowns to two interceptions alongside three rushing touchdowns. With limited reciever and running back options again this weekend, the Patriots need to rely on Maye to create using his legs.
Rhamondre Stevenson
With RB TreyVeon Henderson potentially out again, Stevenson is expected to be the lead back followed by Corey Kiner. Stevenson has 367 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns this season.
Gabe Jacas
The rookie EDGE has made quite the impact thus far. He has been a force in the backfield for opposing QB’s recording three sacks and one interception.
“Gabe Jacas has been ridiculous — both in the pass and then the run,” ESPN Analyst and former NFL QB, Dan Orlovsky said.
Stats to watch for
- A victory would give the Patriots a 4-0 home record. It would be the best Patriots home start since they won five straight in 2019.
- With two touchdowns, RB Rhamondre Stevenson could tie Tony Collins and Curtis Martin with most rushing TD’s in franchise history.
- With one touchdown, TE Hunter Henry would move into third place in touchdowns by a tight end in Patriots history.
Former Packers
OL Greg Van Roten (2012-13)
S Mike Brown (2022)
WR Romeo Doubs (2022-25)
EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf (2004-17)
OLB Coach Mike Smith (2019-22)
Former Patriots
TE Jonnu Smith (2021-22)
RB Pierre Strong Jr. (2022)
OLB Coach/Run Game Coord. DeMarcus Covington (2017-24)
Special Teams Coord. Cameron Achord (2018-23)
Def. Quality Control Jamael Lett (2024)
Off. Quality Control T.C. McCartney (2024)
How & Where to watch
Sunday November 8, 2026 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX
Kevin Burkhardt (Play by Play) and Tom Brady (Color Analyst) alongside Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (Sideline Reporters)
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