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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Week 10 well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready for one of their toughest tests of the season. Sitting at 6-2 after a much-needed bye, the Bucs host the AFC-leading New England Patriots. This could be a tone-setting win for the Bucs’ playoff push. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has strung together a season of gutsy, efficient performances. His offense, though, will need to clean up its inconsistencies from Week 8’s uneven showing against the Saints. Tampa Bay’s hopes of reclaiming full rhythm hinge on the possible return of key contributors. These include Bucky Irving’s impending comeback. His dual-threat ability could help them balance the attack against one of the league’s most improved defenses.
As for the Patriots (7-2), they arrive in Tampa riding a six-game winning streak. New England QB Drake Maye has been the story of their season. He has blossomed into a poised young leader who’s elevated a roster that few expected to top the AFC standings this deep into the year. Still, cracks remain beneath the surface. The Patriots’ offensive line has been shaky, and their running game remains unreliable. Also, their defense appears overly reliant on timely stops rather than consistent dominance.
Against Tampa Bay, those issues could finally catch up to them. The Bucs’ defense, bolstered by the return of Haason Reddick, will look to rattle Maye early and end New England’s streak in emphatic fashion.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Patriots and the Buccaneers in week 10 of the 2025 NFL season.
Tampa Bay’s defense will humble Maye. For all the praise the Patriots quarterback has earned, he hasn’t faced a pass rush as aggressive or creative as Tampa’s. The Bucs have had two weeks to prepare exotic blitz packages and coverages designed to bait the young passer into mistakes. Note that they already rank among the league leaders in takeaways.
Expect two interceptions and at least one forced fumble from Tampa Bay’s defense. Reddick’s return adds an extra layer of pressure from the edge. Maye’s tendency to extend plays could lead to disaster. The Patriots’ offensive line has also surrendered 34 sacks this season. They face a rested unit in front of a fired-up Raymond James Stadium crowd. That could be their undoing.
The Patriots have found ways to win games. However, they just can’t generate consistent pass pressure. They rank 28th in pressure rate and 23rd in pass rush win rate. That’s bad news against Baker Mayfield. He has excelled when given time to throw. After a bye week to reset and fine-tune the offense, expect Tampa Bay’s playbook to open up.
Expect Mayfield to surpass 300 passing yards and toss three touchdowns. Receivers Emeka Egbuka should feast on mismatches downfield. Meanwhile,...
