After their dramatic 24-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the New England Patriots are back on the road for another high-stakes matchup. The Patriots are fighting for the top seed in the AFC. With a win against the Buccaneers, their chances dramatically increase. However, New England will play one of their toughest opponents yet, going against an MVP candidate in Baker Mayfield. Both teams have emerged as legitimate contenders in their respective conferences. The Patriots sitting at 7-2 and the Buccaneers at 6-2 heading into Week 10.
New England remains perfect on the road this year at 4-0. However, Sunday’s matchup presents perhaps their biggest road challenge yet. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is set to face Baker Mayfield for the first time in his career. Both signal-callers have been among the league’s most productive through the first half of the season, earning early MVP consideration.
Mayfield vs. Maye 2025 season:
Baker Mayfield: 1,919 passing yards,13:2 TD-INT ratio with a passer rating of 98.1, 158 rush yards and 63.9 completion percentage.
Drake Maye: 2,285 passing yards, 17-4, TD-INT ratio, 116.9 passer rating, 270 rush yards and has an 74.1 completion percentage.
By far, Maye has the better numbers over Mayfield but look for these guys to battle down to the wire. This game has the potential to be one of the best during this 2025 season. With the Patriots currently on a six-game win streak, the game will be nationally broadcasted.
Players to watch during Sunday’s game:
Wide Recciver Stefon Diggs- After catching touchdowns in back-to-back games I want to see Diggs have the chance at another 100-yard game and be the deep threat for Maye downfield.
Wide Receiver DeMario Douglas- Last week “Pop” Douglas had his first career 100 yard game in the NFL on four catches and also contributed in the red zone. He spoke postgame and he played with a heavy heart after loosing his uncle on Saturday. Expect Douglas to be involved in this crucial matchup.
DB Christian Gonzalez Vs Wide Emeka Egbuka- Key matchup on defense with Gonzalez being the #1 corner for New England going against Tampa Bay rookie WR Egbuka. After last week going against Falcons WR Drake London which scored three 3 touchdowns, Gonzalez would like to redeem himself. Although London fell on Gonzalez, causing him to leave the game and undergo evaluation for a possible concussion, Gonzalez should be ready to play this week barring any setbacks. Definitely not an easy task for him against the rookie this week.
Maye against Tampa defense
Maye once again will have a tough defense to face which ranks 15th in total defense. After allowing six sacks last week, the offensive line will look to better protect Maye this week. Pass protection and O-line has to protect Maye as much as they can so he has time to throw in the pocket. If Maye can limit the scrambles this game that could help his cause because he doesn’t slide much.
Mayfield versus New England secondary
There’s a potential chance that the Patriots secondary could see a lot Mayfield throws in the middle of the field. Personally I think New England is thin in the secondary and Mayfield might just take advantage of that. Key for the Patriots defense and secondary limit big gain plays for the Tampa offense.
My name is Kenneth Matias and I am an aspiring sports journalist that has great sports knowledge and follow the New England Patriots and the NFL landscape very closely.
