Maye-be?

Looks like Drake Maye will play for the New England Patriots today, possibly that will help. But they need a fast start.

“I think as a team, we need to have energy, especialy from the start of the game,” Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said. “This is a fast start team that we’re playing, so we need to make sure that we’e ready to go.”

The thing about this game in Nashville vs. the Tennessee Titans? It could be the last one for some Patriot veterans, so keep a close eye on the inactives, veterans who are on the sidelines but see little time, etc., because the trade deadline is Tuesday.

The Patriots didn’t have to deal with the noise this week because they actually won. They win again, the noise may be of a different variety.That’s just the way it is.

Meanwhile, the way it is here is that we’re stuck in a 4-3 rut again. Let’s see if we can have the energy from the start to work out of it:

TITANS 24, PATRIOTS 21

Tennessee doesn’t have a lot of offensive firepower, but we’re getting carried away with one win over the Jets. Titans are due, so we’re going with the home team, especially since – believe it or not – they have the best pass defense in the league.

BILLS 30, DOLPHINS 27

Another close, tough loss for Team Tua. These division games are always unpredictable, but it certainly looks like the Dolphins are on life support, should have won last week vs. Arizona. Josh Allen and the Bills are piping hot. Amari Cooper (wrist) won’t play but Buffalo was winning without him, anyway.

RAVENS 23, BRONCOS 17

What the heck happened to the Ravens last week? It was probably more about how much better the Browns are without Deshaun Watson. The Broncos are much better than expected, but Lamar Jackson should outduel Bo Nix, especially at home.

PACKERS 27, LIONS 20

Here’s the main reason we think the Packers should take this one: It’s Detroit’s first game of the season outdoors, believe it or not. Rain and low 50s is the forecast. How’s that for great analysis. Should be a great game though.

SEAHAWKS 33, RAMS 31

The Jekyll and Hyde Seahawks, how to predict them? They went 3-0 to start the season, then fell to 3-3, 4-3 to a blowout loss at home to fall to 4-4. No way they lose two straight at home. The Rams aren’t that good, period. Of course, neither is the NFC West as a whole.

CHIEFS 30, BUCS 23

Tampa Bay is good, but just not that good. The Chiefs are super good. It will be fun to watch Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes sling it all over the field, but we’d go with Mahomes every time. Besides, after losing to Atlanta at home, are we supposed to believe the Bucs can win in K.C.?

VIKINGS 24, COLTS 17

We really wanted to go with Indy and Flacco Magic, but it’s hard to see the Vikings losing two straight as good as they’ve been. Should be a very entertaining Sunday Night game.

LAST WEEK: 4-3

SEASON: 34-22

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on X (@Telegraph_TomK).