Buccaneers' Surprise Move Shakes Up Anticipated Patriots-Bucs Showdown

On Sunday, November 12th, 2025, the 7-2 New England Patriots will face off against the 6-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a crucial inter-conference matchup between first-place teams. The game features a showdown between two of the NFL's top MVP candidates, with the Patriots led by sophomore QB Drake Maye and the Buccaneers led by veteran signal-caller Baker Mayfield.

Just a day before the highly anticipated clash, the Buccaneers made a surprise move that could give them a significant advantage. Tampa Bay activated 6-foot-5, 312-pound offensive tackle Luke Goedeke, who is now expected to start against the Patriots after missing six games due to a foot injury. Goedeke's return is a major boost for the Buccaneers' offensive line, which has struggled in his absence.

The Patriots' pass rush, while improved from last season, has still been mediocre, ranking 21st in pressure percentage and 18th in sacks. Keeping Mayfield under pressure was already going to be a tough assignment for the Patriots, and the addition of Goedeke only makes their job more difficult. Mayfield, who has found a career resurgence in Tampa Bay, is now likely to have more time to find his explosive downfield targets.

The stakes are high in this matchup, as both teams are vying for a top spot in their respective conferences. With the Patriots and Buccaneers both boasting 7-2 records, this game could have significant implications for the playoff race and the MVP race, with Maye and Mayfield both firmly in the mix for the league's top individual honor.