New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview and Prediction

When and where

Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season brings a compelling interconference matchup as the New England Patriots, helmed by Mike Vrabel, host the Todd Bowles-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With second-year quarterback Drake Maye at the helm, New England is eager to prove that the revisit of the Patriots we all know and love movement is ready for prime time against a battle-tested Bucs squad led by veteran signal-caller Baker Mayfield. The Pats are away in Tampa Bay for what is arguably their toughest test of the year, at Raymond James Stadium on November 9th, live on CBS/WBZ and on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub radio.

Previous meeting and all-time record

Pats have a 7-3 record against the Bucs, with the last meeting going in favour of a Tom Brady-led Buccaneers team (will never feel right typing that) by 19-17 in a primetime Foxborough showdown which saw Brady return to Gillette Stadium for the first time since leaving New England. That win gave Brady the completion of the NFL where he has beaten all 32 teams. Last game in Tampa was a 19-14 Pats win on the 5th of October 2017.

What and who to watch for

The Patriots’ offense is starting to click. Receiver Stefon Diggs gives Maye a true No. 1 weapon, while Hunter Henry’s reliability at tight end and the speed of Pop Douglas open up the field. The absence of Kayshon Boutte will present an opportunity for Kyle Williams and Pop to show what they can do downfield, going long. The offensive line improved throughout the year, but in the last couple of games, we have seen a slip in performance, allowing Maye to get pressured/sacked too often. Players like Will Campbell and Mike Onwenu need to step up and improve their performance level. With Mondre out, Henderson is RB1, so we need him to protect the football and play like he did the last couple of games, where he averaged just under 4 yards a carry. OC Josh McDaniels' creative play-calling has made the most of the versatile offensive pieces.

On defense, Christian Barmore anchors a physical front alongside Milton Williams. The secondary, featuring Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, and Jaylinn Hawkins, matches up well against most passing attacks. Gonzalez, in particular, faces a tough matchup against Tampa rookie Emeka Egbuka, whose speed could test the Pats downfield. Stopping running back Rachaad White and containing Baker Mayfield’s improvisational play will be key for the Pats’ front seven, where Harold Landry’s pass rush could be a difference-maker.

Tampa Bay’s defense, led by Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis, and safety Tykee Smith, is aggressive but has shown vulnerability against explosive passing plays. If the Patriots can protect Maye and avoid turnovers, Diggs and Douglas could find success downfield.

Predictions and favourites

Most analysts are picking the Bucs to win here, but by tiny margins. I have only seen two people pick the Bucs to win by more than one score, so that tells me that, although they may like the Bucs, they aren't sticking their neck out and saying Tamps are going to win by much or that a blowout will happen.  People can write off the Pats at their own peril; this team has proven it can beat good teams and the league's elite defenses (cite: Buffalo, Cleveland, Atlanta). This matchup will be a chess match between Vrabel and Bowles. I'm going with the Pats here because they are the hottest team in the league and can beat anyone on their day. If we get a similar performance level as the last few weeks, they will win this game. The Buccaneers are small favorites (-2.5). The predicted point total for the game is 49.5. My score prediction is Patriots 28, Buccaneers 24. Go Pats!