ClutchPoints
With six consecutive victories propelling them to a 7-2 record, the Patriots have transformed from AFC afterthoughts into legitimate playoff contenders under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Now they face their toughest test yet, traveling to Tampa to battle a 6-2 Buccaneers squad that presents a different level of competition than the Patriots have encountered during their remarkable surge.
Despite being 2.5-point underdogs on the road, this matchup represents a critical measuring stick for a Patriots team that critics claim has benefited from one of the easiest schedules in NFL history. The Buccaneers, coming off their bye week and ranking seventh in EPA per play defensively while generating pressure at elite rates, will provide the kind of challenge that defines legitimate contenders.
Here are three bold predictions for how this pivotal Week 10 clash will unfold in Tampa Bay.
Drake Maye’s dual-threat ability has become the engine driving New England’s resurgence, and Sunday’s matchup sets up perfectly for the rookie quarterback to showcase his legs in a career-defining performance.
Maye has already accumulated 270 rushing yards through nine games while averaging an extraordinary 4.6 yards per attempt. What makes these numbers even more impressive is that Fantasy Points Data charted 97 percent of his rushing yardage as scrambles rather than designed runs. His 7.8 yards per carry on scrambles represents the best rate by any quarterback with a minimum of 30 rushes since Michael Vick in 2000.
Tampa Bay’s defense, while improved in generating pressure with Haason Reddick leading the way, has shown vulnerability to mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays. The Buccaneers rank 24th in rushing yards allowed per game at 92.6 yards, giving up 3.9 yards per carry. When facing a quarterback with Maye’s athleticism and ability to pick up chunk yardage on broken plays, that defensive weakness becomes magnified.
Maye has already demonstrated explosive rushing performances this season, including a 62-yard effort against Tennessee and a 50-yard outing versus Cleveland. With the Patriots potentially missing running back Rhamondre Stevenson again due to a toe injury, Maye’s legs become even more critical to moving the chains. Expect Vrabel to incorporate more designed quarterback runs to exploit Tampa Bay’s rushing defense, pushing Maye past 60 yards and into the end zone for his third rushing touchdown of the season.
New England’s defense has been the unsung hero of this six-game winning streak, and they’ll make a statement by containing veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield in what could be his lowest output of the season.
Marcus Jones attacks off the edge and sacks Spencer Rattler on third down!
The #Patriots need to extend Jones — he is having an amazing season.pic.twitter.com/I8BCy1IhNk
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 12, 2025
The Patriots enter Week 10 allowing just 18.8 points per game, ranking sixth in the NFL. More impressively, they remain...
