The New England Patriots are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a highly anticipated Week 10 matchup. This game features two MVP-candidate quarterbacks in Drake Maye and Baker Mayfield going head-to-head for the first time.
The Patriots did not play like an elite team last week against the Atlanta Falcons. They won by a 24-23 margin, thanks in part to a missed field goal from Falcons kicker Parker Romo. Quarterback Drake Maye went 19-of-29 on the afternoon, throwing for 259 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
This was a game where rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was able to show what he could do at a high level, and he made the most of this opportunity. He had 14 carries for 55 yards, along with hauling in four receptions for 32 yards. With Rhamondre Stevenson out for a second straight week, the team will lean on Henderson’s legs and pass-catching abilities against a top-ranked Buccaneers defense.
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas will also be called on to step up once again with Kayshon Boutte sidelined with a hamstring injury. Douglas hauled in four catches for 100 yards in last week’s win.
On the flipside, the Buccaneers are coming off a bye week after struggling on offense in Week 8. Nevertheless, the defense stepped up to secure a 23-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Baker Mayfield went 15-of-24 in the game, throwing for 152 yards.
The lone offensive touchdown came courtesy of running back Sean Tucker, who had 12 carries for 42 yards. Field goals from Chase McLaughlin and an interception return from Anthony Nelson were all that was needed to give the Buccaneers the victory.
The Patriots lead the all-time series over the Buccaneers by a 7-3 margin. However, they lost by a 19-17 margin back in 2021, in Tom Brady’s return to Gillette Stadium.
There will be multiple key players out for the Buccaneers as well, including Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving and Haason Reddick. These injuries could prove to be a major factor in the game.
Here are the Patriots Wire staff’s official predictions for the game:
Danny Jaillet: Patriots 27, Buccaneers 13
Jordy McElroy: Patriots 28, Buccaneers 22
Sophie Weller: Patriots 24, Buccaneers 21
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots Wire staff predictions for Patriots-Buccaneers Week 10 game
