One week ago, Drake Maye helped the Patriots erase a halftime deficit in Miami with two long touchdown throws. Now Maye brings that comeback energy back to Gillette Stadium, where New England and Green Bay meet Sunday afternoon with matching 5-3 records. Both teams are chasing a bigger season story: the Patriots want to prove last year’s Super Bowl trip was the start of something lasting, while the Packers want to turn a strong start into a deeper run.

Maye is the center of New England’s attack. He has thrown 15 touchdown passes in eight games, but he also creates trouble when a pass play breaks down. His 216 rushing yards show how often he can escape pressure and turn a messy moment into a useful gain. Green Bay will need to keep Maye inside the pocket, the protected area behind the offensive line, without giving him easy running lanes.

The Patriots have more than one way to move the ball. Rhamondre Stevenson is a tough runner who can push through first contact, and he also catches short passes out of the backfield. New England averages 123 rushing yards per game, giving Maye help when the offense needs a steadier drive. A.J. Brown could add a powerful target on the outside, but his knee and ankle issues make his status important. Tight end Hunter Henry is also questionable, which could leave Maye searching for other reliable targets on key downs.

That is where Green Bay’s defense can make this game tense. The Packers recorded six sacks, or tackles of the quarterback behind the line, in their win over Carolina. Still, several defenders are dealing with injuries, and Green Bay must create pressure without Micah Parsons, who is still working his way back from a knee injury. The Packers also allow nearly 315 yards per game, so stopping New England’s balanced attack will take a full-team effort.

On the other side, Jordan Love leads an offense that leans heavily on the pass. Green Bay throws for more than 280 yards per game, far more than it gains on the ground. Christian Watson is the big-play threat, with 708 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His speed can stretch a defense from one sideline to the other, while Tucker Kraft gives Love a strong target closer to the middle of the field. Watson’s rib injury will be worth watching, especially after he helped spark last week’s win.

New England’s defense has allowed only 309.9 yards per game, which means it has usually made opponents work hard for every drive. The Patriots must avoid giving Love extra chances, though. New England has given the ball away more often than it has taken it away this season, and Green Bay has been much sharper in that area.

This matchup feels like a race between Maye’s quick-growing command and Love’s downfield firepower. Green Bay’s passing game can make any afternoon dangerous, but New England’s home field, stronger running game, and tighter defense give the Patriots the edge. Prediction: the Patriots win.

Drake Maye Brings a Fast-Rising Patriots Team Home for Green Bay