Maye’s Hot Streak Leads Patriots Into Packers Matchup

Maye enters the matchup after throwing for 1,199 yards and 12 touchdowns during October, when New England went 3-1. He has accounted for at least three touchdowns in each of his past five games and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month. His strong play has continued as injuries have thinned the Patriots’ offense, including absences at receiver and along the offensive line.

Brady will be at Gillette Stadium as a Fox broadcaster. Before Maye, the last New England player to receive AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors was Brady in November 2017, making the game a chance for Brady to assess a quarterback who has recently emerged as a central figure for New England.

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love has thrown for 2,214 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Receiver Christian Watson is another key matchup: he has 708 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The Patriots will also face a Packers team that has collected 15 takeaways, second-most in the NFL.

New England defensive tackle Christian Barmore is a player to watch amid trade speculation and a reduced role. He has 3½ sacks and seven tackles in seven games. On offense, kicker Andy Borregales has missed three field goals from inside 50 yards this season, including a 40-yarder against Miami.

The game weekend also includes the induction of Rob Gronkowski into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame and a celebration of the 2016 Super Bowl team. Owner Robert Kraft will miss the festivities following back surgery. The preview’s prediction is a 30-27 Patriots win.