The Packers return home after a win over the Buccaneers to face the Patriots, who dropped to 1-2 after a home loss to the Ravens. The last time the teams met in 2018, Tom Brady was still slinging the ball for the Patriots, who won by the score of 31-17.
Green Bay enters just 27th in scoring at 16 points per game. Aaron Rodgers remains very accurate, completing 72 percent of his passes, but for only 228 yards per game with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Sammy Watkins leads the team with 18.5 yards per reception, but he is on the injured list. Romeo Doubs and Robert Tonyan lead the team with a combined 25 receptions, but for under 10 yards per catch. This leaves the Packers with not much of a vertical passing game. On the ground, Aaron Jones has been shredding defenses, averaging 6.8 yards on 32 attempts.
Defensively, the Packers have been tough against the pass, allowing only 189 yards per game and stingy in points allowed, ranked 6th at 15 per game. Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kenny Clark have all seven of the team’s sacks. Jaire Alexander has the lone interception and the Packers are just –2 in turnover differential.
A Look at the Patriots So Far This Season
The Patriots are ranked 25th in scoring at 16.7 points per game. Quarterback Mac Jones has completed over 66 percent of his passes but has been intercepted five times and is dealing with an ankle injury. Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor have combined for 24 receptions, while DaVante Parker has shown to be a deep threat, averaging 27.5 yards on six receptions. On the ground, the Patriots have shown a balanced attack with Damien Harris and Rhamandre Stevenson, averaging nearly five yards per game combined.
Defensively, the Patriots are 22nd in points allowed at 23.7 points per game, but have only given up 315 yards per game. The Packers offensive line has to account for Deatrich Wise Jr. and Matthew Judon, who have combined for seven sacks. Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones have accounted for the team’s two interceptions. Much like the Packers, the Patriots have been losing the turnover battle and are -4 in turnover differential.
Packers vs Patriots Odds
After opening at 5-point favorites, the Packers are now 9.5-point favorites.
Not our Modus Operandi right now, but DB pressures could come into play for the #packers this week, especially against a rookie LG and backup QB. More on the #ONMYBLOCK preview show tomorrow! #gopackgo #nfl #patriots #packernation #oline #patriotfans pic.twitter.com/NrWk0vzOTM
— Michael Wahle (@MikeWahle68) September 28, 2022
Patriots coach Bill Belichick, well-regarded for his knowledge of NFL history, went out of his way to talk about #Packers legend Cecil Isbell in his Wednesday news conference.
Isbell was a senior-committee finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/S1a9t4gYEl
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) September 28, 2022
Defense, we-fense & prepping for the Patriots.
3️⃣ Things ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ybKHWo1gUo
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 28, 2022