New England (6-2) struts into Week 9 riding a five-game win streak—dominant offense, steady defense, and growing buzz around Drake Maye’s emergence. Atlanta (3-4), meanwhile, has wilted under mounting offensive dysfunction, scoring just 10 points in each of its past two games. Sunday’s showdown at Gillette Stadium feels less like a clash and more like a test: the Patriots have to prove their ascent is for real; the Falcons have to stop the bleeding before it’s too late. Maye has been nothing short of electric. With 1,744 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and only two interceptions through eight games, he’s developing into the elite-level QB Boston yearns for. His 91.3% completion game against Tennessee—21-of-23 passes for 222 yards and two scores—did what few believed he could: eclipse Tom Brady’s Patriots single-game completion mark. Conversely, Atlanta boasts the NFL’s stingiest pass-defense in yardage allowed, but that unit hasn’t accounted for failed red zone trips and missing weapons like Drake London and Michael Penix Jr., both listed as questionable. Off the board, New England opens as about a -5.5 favorite, with Over/Under set in the mid-40s—a nod to both Maye’s range and Atlanta’s defensive potential. Patriots have covered in every game of their win streak, while the Falcons’ offense hasn’t covered much of anything lately. For bettors, the lean is clear: back New England to continue their ATS dominance and attack the total if Atlanta shows signs of desperation from the start. If the Patriots win, they keep pace atop the AFC East and cement their identity as playoff contenders with a young QB in full bloom. If the Falcons pull off an upset, it could snap their offensive slump—and give the rest of the NFC South nightmares. This isn’t just about a week’s standings—it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season.