Overview
- The NFL moved the Week 16 matchup from a 1 p.m. kickoff to Sunday Night Football to elevate the stakes.
- Drake Maye welcomed the spotlight, saying he wants the Patriots to be the team people want to see at night.
- After the 35–31 loss to Buffalo, Maye vowed extra study and fixes following a 14-of-23, 155-yard, one-interception passing line with two rushing touchdowns.
- Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith called stopping Lamar Jackson every play impossible and stressed mixing looks to limit his damage.
- Sportsbooks have New England as a three-point road underdog, and a win would clinch a playoff berth and move the Patriots closer to the AFC East title; they are 3–0 in prime time this season.