It's a huge game for both teams. The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots enter Week 9 with the same record, many of the same flaws, and are playing catch-up in their respective divisions.
Though the Packers are playing an AFC opponent, their playoff odds will increase sharply with a win over the Patriots on Sunday.
Green Bay has won four of its past five games, and leaving Gillette Stadium with a victory would be quite the statement. Here's everything to know ahead of the game.
- How to watch Packers vs. Patriots in Week 9
- How the weather could impact Packers-Patriots in Week 9
- Packers injury updates
- Patriots injury updates
- Storylines for Week 9
- Prediction
How to watch Packers vs. Patriots in Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 8
- Time: 3:25 p.m. CT
- TV Network: FOX
- Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady
How the weather could impact Packers-Patriots in Week 9
Weather could be a factor, particularly in the kicking game. Ugh.
According to AccuWeather, it should be a mild, sunny day at around 55 degrees, but the wind is the issue. Wind gusts could reach around 25 mph, with sustained winds of around 15 mph. That makes life tough on any NFL kicker, and it's concerning for Trey Smack.
Smack missed two field goals inside 40 yards, including a 26-yarder, indoors two weeks ago. He's previously struggled with swirling winds this season, and it was a problem throughout training camp. It will be a big test.
Packers injury updates
Micah Parsons practiced this week for the first time since tearing his ACL, but he is likely still several weeks away from a return. Week 12 is the date to circle, which is when the Packers will return from their bye.
The Packers have ruled out center Sean Rhyan, though Matt LaFleur believes his return isn't far away. Green Bay didn't place Rhyan on injured reserve, which suggests he should return sooner rather than later.
Green Bay has also ruled out linebacker Zaire Franklin, offensive lineman Travis Glover, and tight end Josh Whyle.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon and running back MarShawn Lloyd are questionable. Nixon is dealing with a groin issue but was a limited participant in Friday's practice, and videos from reporters showed that he appeared to be moving OK. Hopefully, he's good to go. Lloyd practiced all week but was added to the injury report on Thursday due to a knee issue.
Patriots injury updates
The Patriots will be without star wide receiver A.J. Brown, who misses another game with ankle and knee injuries. They have also ruled out running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Six Patriots are questionable: tight end Hunter Henry, safety Kevin Byard, cornerback Carlton Davis III, tackle Morgan Moses, safety Brenden Schooler, and former Packer Greg Van Roten.
Speaking of former Packers, Romeo Doubs won't play in this game, either. He was placed on injured reserve after their Week 6 win over the New York Jets.
Storylines for Week 9
Can Jonathan Gannon's defense crank up the pressure on Drake Maye?
Maye is a fantastic quarterback. There's no doubt about that. But it's also undeniable that he's put up elite numbers against poor defenses and his worst numbers against the best defenses. Jonathan Gannon's unit has become a force in recent weeks, which could potentially bring out the worst in New England's offense.
According to SumerSports, the Packers rank No. 5 in defensive EPA/play.
This season, Maye has played four games against top-10 defenses in EPA/play, while the other four games have come against defenses ranked 19th, 26th, 29th, and 30th. The contrast in his production is staggering.
Maye won't have A.J. Brown or Romeo Doubs to throw to, while Hunter Henry is also a doubt for this game. Can Gannon's defense take advantage?
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden face a daunting task
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden have made a historic start to the season, tallying a combined 1,327 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in the opening eight games. However, they face a daunting matchup against the Patriots.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez is coming off his first Pro Bowl season in New England, and he can shut down elite receivers.
According to Pro Football Focus, quarterbacks throwing into his coverage have completed just 55.2 percent of their passes for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions, good for a passer rating of only 73.2.
Carlton Davis III could be on the other side, depending on his injury status. He's officially questionable, but if he's cleared to play, both Packers receivers will have tough assignments.
Will the Packers' offensive line hold up?
Green Bay's offense will face its own questions in this game against a fierce New England pass rush.
Only the Denver Broncos have a better PFF pass-rush grade than the Patriots this season. Their defense has 22 sacks, which ties the Packers and Chicago Bears for the seventh-most in the NFL. It could be a long day for Green Bay's offensive line, which ranks 32nd in pass-block win rate, per ESPN.
The Packers need to have a plan for second-year Elijah Ponder, a 2025 undrafted free agent who has already recorded six sacks in eight games. Second-round rookie Gabe Jacas is also a problem, having made three sacks.
Pressure can come from any direction, and the Packers' offensive line desperately needs to hold up, something it has struggled to do all season.
Can the Packers trust Trey Smack?
It's a big day for Trey Smack. The Packers may need to count on him if it's a close game, but windy conditions are forecast, and that's a problem.
Smack has missed eight kicks this season, including six in the past four games. He struggled for accuracy in a dome two weeks ago, which raises alarm bells as the Packers prepare for tough conditions in New England.
The rookie missed an extra point last week, though he responded by hitting his next three. Hopefully, that gave him some confidence. That's all I've got.
Prediction
Packers 17, Patriots 14
Despite the heavyweight quarterback matchup, it could be a defensive battle in New England. Drake Maye is without his best receivers, while the Packers' offensive line may have a long day. And neither fan base will have too much confidence in their kicker.
Smack has missed eight kicks and has converted just 68.8 percent of his field-goal tries. Andy Borregales hasn't been that much better for New England, though, missing four kicks and converting only 76.9 percent of his field-goal attempts. Smack and Borregales rank 29th and 24th in field-goal percentage, respectively.
I'm giving the slight edge to the Packers. Maye has struggled against top defenses, and he's facing one on Sunday. Jonathan Gannon's unit puts in another strong display, holding the Patriots to 14 points. The offense does just enough.
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