The New England Patriots are gearing up for a difficult battle against the Green Bay Packers in a pivotal Week 9 matchup on Sunday.
With both teams looking to strengthen their playoff chances, several individual matchups and variables might take shape in the game and have a major impact on the final score.
Here are three bold predictions for the showdown between the Patriots and the Packers.
1. Christian Gonzalez holds Matthew Golden to one catch when lined up against him
Christian Gonzalez will have his hands full against Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden, but the Patriots' cornerback is capable of winning this matchup.
Golden enters the contest with 43 receptions for 619 yards and four touchdowns, though drops have hampered him in recent weeks. Nevertheless, he has been one of the most breathtaking pass-catchers in the NFL
this season and will challenge Gonzalez in all three phases of the field when the two are lined up against each other. Gonzalez has played great this season, recording 21 tackles and five passes defended across six games played.
Prediction: Golden finishes with just one reception for 12 yards when matched up against Gonzalez.
2. Patriots allow Jordan Love to throw for over 350 Yards
The Patriots might have trouble slowing down Packers quarterback Jordan Love in Week 9.
Love enters the matchup leading the league in passing yards with 2,246 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, while completing 61.5 percent of his passes. He has been one of the best pocket passers in the league this year and has wowed with his arm talent and big-play creation.
Even against a talented Patriots defense, there are more than enough weapons around Love to do damage in this matchup.
Prediction: Love throws for 380 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
3. DeMario Douglas reaches 100 receiving yards
DeMario Douglas might deliver his biggest performance of the season. The Patriots receiver enters the matchup with 26 receptions for 332 yards and four touchdowns.
However, with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs being out for the game, as well as Hunter Henry being questionable and Mack Hollins working his way back from injury, Douglas might find himself as one of Maye’s top two targets in the game and go for 100 or more yards.
Prediction: Douglas takes advantage of Green Bay's coverage, finishing with seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 3 bold predictions for Patriots’ Week 9 matchup vs. Packers
