The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots meet Sunday in a matchup of 5–3 teams with two very different offensive strengths. Jordan Love has powered the Packers’ passing attack, while Drake Maye has helped New England balance its offense and build one of the league’s more productive units.
Packers vs. Patriots: Game information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| U.S. broadcast | FOX |
| Records | Packers 5–3; Patriots 5–3 |
Jordan Love’s passing game is Green Bay’s biggest weapon
Green Bay enters the matchup with the NFL’s second-ranked passing offense, averaging 271.0 yards per game in the Patriots’ official Week 9 comparison. Love has become increasingly comfortable attacking downfield. The Patriots’ preview notes that he leads the league with 21 completions of at least 25 yards and 1,253 downfield passing yards this season, according to Next Gen Stats.
That makes the Packers dangerous even when their running game struggles. Green Bay is averaging only 60.6 rushing yards per game, ranked 32nd in the league in the same team comparison. If the Packers cannot establish a credible ground threat, New England can devote more attention to Love’s passing options and make the offense one-dimensional.
New England can challenge Green Bay with balance
The Patriots have averaged 367.3 total yards per game, ranking eighth in the league, with 244.1 passing yards and 123.1 rushing yards per game. That balance gives Maye multiple ways to attack a defense. He has also produced at least two touchdown passes in five consecutive games, according to New England’s official game release.
Maye’s recent downfield production is another reason the matchup could become a high-scoring contest. New England has found explosive passing plays in back-to-back games, and its offense can use play-action to take advantage if the Packers commit extra defenders to the run.
Can the Patriots defense contain Love?
New England’s defense ranks eighth in total yards allowed at 309.9 per game and sixth against the run, allowing 92.6 rushing yards per game. Those numbers make the matchup particularly interesting: the Patriots have been effective against the run, while the Packers have struggled to generate rushing production.
If New England wins early downs and forces Green Bay into obvious passing situations, its pass rush can focus on making Love hold the ball. The Packers, meanwhile, need to protect the quarterback and avoid turnovers. New England’s defense has been strong overall, but it can be tested by a quarterback who consistently finds explosive completions.
Final Week 9 injury report: key absences
Green Bay will be without five players on Sunday, including edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee), linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin), offensive linemen Travis Glover (knee) and Sean Rhyan (ankle), and tight end Josh Whyle (concussion). The Packers listed cornerback Keisean Nixon (groin), running back MarShawn Lloyd (knee) and running back Chris Brooks (ankle) as questionable.
New England ruled out wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle/knee) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness). Tight end Hunter Henry, safety Kevin Byard III, cornerback Carlton Davis III, wide receiver Mack Hollins, tackle Morgan Moses, special-teams player Brenden Schooler and offensive lineman Greg Van Roten were listed as questionable.
Quarterback Drake Maye was a full participant on Friday and carries no final game-status designation. The most significant absence for Green Bay is Parsons, whose return window has opened but who is not ready to play this week. For New England, Brown’s absence removes a major receiving option from the offense.
Three keys to Packers vs. Patriots
- Protect the pocket: Green Bay must give Love time to use his downfield passing ability.
- Make the Packers run: New England’s run defense can force Green Bay to prove it can move the ball without relying entirely on its quarterback.
- Maye’s explosive plays: The Patriots can stress the Packers defense with deep throws and play-action, especially if their receiving options are healthy enough to play.
More NFL coverage
See the full Week 9 injury roundup for the other confirmed absences and questionable players across Sunday’s slate.
- NFL Week 9 schedule and TV information
- Micah Parsons returns to Packers practice
- Visit the Sportimatic NFL hub
Sources
- New England Patriots: Week 9 game preview and team statistics
- New England Patriots: Week 9 injury report
- NFL.com: Packers at Patriots game center
Preview updated November 6, 2026. Practice participation may change before the game; final inactive lists are the definitive game-day source.
