We’re getting deeper into that soft spot in the New England Patriots schedule.

Which is pretty much the entire schedule, right?

There’s a little intrigue this week with Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee, maybe a bigger deal in Nashville and with the media there than here. Vrabel in a class move, messaged condolences to former Titans coach Brian Callahan – the guy they hired after firing the current Patriots head man.

What’s going on in Tennessee is instabiity due to bad ownership. Plain and simple. Vrabel’s defense this week has to encounter a rookie quarterback that is due to break out at some point.

“Well, he’s shown his potential,” Vrabel said. “Like a lot of young players, maye he’s not as consistent or there’s been some contested catches that haven’t gone their way. But I mean, he’s clearly shown his potential, arm talent, the ability to avoid andcontinue to get outside the pocket when he has to. There’s a fearlessness, and you need that when you’re talking about playing quarterback in this league.”

Hmm, sounds like…. a kid named Drake Maye?

Here are the picks for this week. It’s not rocket science, that’s for sure:

PATRIOTS 38, TITANS 10

There won’t be any impact from the Titans firing their coach, Brian Callahan, and having Mike McCoy zzzzz as the interim. Drake Maye will pick this team apart, with or without Stefon Diggs, and the Patriots will pick off Cam Ward at least twice.

CHARGERS 24, COLTS 17

Jim Harbaugh’s defense will stifle Indiana (Daniel) Jones. Or at least it better. Indy is a great story, but just how good can they be? We’ll find out with a game vs. a contender on the road.

CHIEFS 27, RAIDERS 3

The Chiefs aren’t the scoring machine they once were but Pete Carroll is discovering that Geno Smith’s shelf life is winding down. Granted, Raiders are always a toughie for KC but not this time.

LIONS 30, BUCS 27

The Bucs always play close games, home or away, right? Detroit will look to get back on track but it won’t be easy. It’s a great coaching matchup because Tampa’s Todd Bowles loves to blitz and that will rattle Goff. But it’s at Detroit, MNF so….

NINERS 24, FALCONS 21

Quite the performance by Atlanta on Monday night vs. the Commanders, and the Patriots host the Falcons in a couple of weeks. But in this one old friend Mac Jones is set to start despite being banged up. It’s tonight, and if memory is correct, it’d be his first prime time start since that disasterous Bears game in 2023 at Gillette.

RAMS 20, JAGUARS 17

Yes, another London Sunday morning special. The Jags, despite their recent win over the Chiefs, are pretenders. The Rams are not, not with that defense.

PANTHERS 17, JETS 10

If you’ve seen the Jets lately, you’d see why this is the pick. Aaron Glenn is dying on the Justin Fields hill, and Fields’ name is being added to the list of horrendous Jets QBS. It will be interesting to see if he’s still the QB when the Jets come to Gillette on Nov. 13.

LASTWEEK: 5-2

SEASON: 25-17

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