Love Leads NFL in Passing Yards Ahead of Sunday's 3-Point Favorite

Jordan Love has thrown for 2,246 passing yards this season, a league-leading total that stands out as the Green Bay Packers prepare to face the New England Patriots. The Packers, who are 5-3, rank last in the NFL with an average of 60.6 rushing yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry. Despite the ground game struggles, Love said the team has adjusted its play-calling to generate points through the air. He noted that the offense has made plays and won games by putting up points, which he described as the ultimate requirement.

The Patriots, also 5-3, enter the contest with quarterback Drake Maye finding his rhythm. Maye has recorded at least three touchdowns in each of his past five games, leading New England to four victories in that span. The team is coming off a season-high five sacks in their 24-19 win over the Miami Dolphins last week, a defensive performance not seen since the 2019 season. Maye described the Packers as a measuring stick, noting that they beat good teams and show up consistently every year.

The matchup features two quarterbacks who have emerged in the shadow of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Rodgers is playing what he has called his final season in Pittsburgh, while Brady will be in Gillette Stadium as a Fox Sports analyst for his first broadcast. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel joked about his contractual obligation to catch up with Brady at some point. The two franchises have not met since 2022, when Green Bay won an overtime game at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay has a strong defensive unit, ranking second in the NFL with 15 takeaways entering Week 9. The team has recorded multiple takeaways in five straight games and is 4-1 during that stretch. In their 27-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers last week, linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper became the first Packer since Charles Woodson in 2009 to record at least three passes defensed, a sack, and an interception in a single game. The Packers also recorded a season-high six sacks in that win.

The Packers are attempting to win in New England for the first time since 2002. They have lost their two previous visits, falling 31-27 in 2010 and 31-17 in 2018. The Patriots can improve to 4-0 at home for the first time since winning their first five home games to open the 2019 season. Wide receiver Mack Hollins returned to practice this week after a calf injury sustained in Week 4.

The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday on FOX. Current odds have the Patriots as 3-point favorites. The Packers are 5-3 against the spread, while the Patriots are 3-4-1. The series record is 7-6 in favor of Green Bay.

The last meeting occurred on Oct. 2, 2022, with Green Bay defeating New England 27-24 in overtime. The Packers are looking to secure their fourth consecutive playoff berth, while the Patriots aim to keep pace in their division.