Overview
- New England enters at 7-2 on a six-game surge while Tampa Bay is 6-2 after a bye and hosting at Raymond James Stadium.
- Tom Brady labeled the matchup the “game of the year,” praised both quarterbacks, and declined to pick a side.
- The Buccaneers ruled out RB Bucky Irving and WR Chris Godwin, with edge rushers Haason Reddick and Markees Watts also out, while the Patriots will be without RB Rhamondre Stevenson, WR Kayshon Boutte and LB Christian Elliss.
- Baker Mayfield has no injury designation after knee and oblique issues, and his pass rush faces a Patriots line that has allowed Drake Maye to be sacked 34 times against a Bucs front tied for fifth in sacks.
- Previews frame a tight contest with Tampa Bay a slight favorite (about 2.5 points), and several pundits predict the Buccaneers could snap New England’s winning streak.