Maye takes on the 4-1 Texans in his first start.
The New England Patriots return to Gillette Stadium where a new era is set to kickoff, as rookie Drake Maye will make his first career NFL start.
Maye will look to provide a struggling Patriots’ passing attack a spark as he’ll need to keep pace with reigning NFL Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
Check down below to see Pats Pulpit’s picks, and please head to the comment section to further discuss Thursday’s action.
Patriots picks
Oliver Thomas: Drake Maye’s first NFL start will arrive against a Texans defense that has tallied 17 sacks while allowing just 51.7 percent of passes to be completed. It’s right into the fire between a 1-4 team and a 4-1 team. But there’s mobility to work with behind an offensive line that’s featured five different combinations in as many weeks. The rookie will take his shots downfield and get the wide receiver room involved. | Texans 31, Patriots 21
Brian Hines: It is officially time for the Drake Maye era. The rookie will provide the offense a noticeable spark, while New England’s defense could keep things in check leaning on Christian Gonzalez and more man coverage as the Texans are without Nico Collins. This one could be closer than some expect, but a few (expected) rookie moments from Maye could be the deciding factor. | Texans 27, Patriots 23
Bernd Buchmasser: Drake Maye adds a different dynamic to the Patriots offense, but he is still a rookie making his first NFL start behind a patchwork offensive line and with a so-so group of skill position players. Obviously, the quarterback is the most important player on the field and he gives New England a higher ceiling than Jacoby Brissett, but growing pains should still be expected against a 4-1 Houston squad. | Texans 24, Patriots, 17
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