The Prodigal Outdated Man returns on Sunday evening.

Tom Brady returns to Foxborough on Sunday to face off towards the Patriots and Invoice Belichick, in what ought to be an entertaining stroll down reminiscence lane, if nothing else. On paper, the sport is attractive in drama, however there’s rather a lot below the hood that claims it may not really be the slobber-knocker soccer followers are pining for.

The Buccaneers (2-1) are coming off a loss and bringing their high-powered offense to face off towards Mac Jones and the 1-2 New England Patriots in Foxborough, however this one may not be shut — not less than, not if Sporting Information consultants have something to say about it.

The theme of the story: Whereas Belichick often has a trick up his sleeve, the expertise disparity between the 2 sides is simply too large for New England to beat. Here is how SN thinks Sunday evening’s recreation will shake out.

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Buccaneers vs. Patriots predictions

Vinnie Iyer

Tom Brady’s revenge recreation is not a lot of a recreation. It is a horrible matchup for New England, which will not have the ability to run and take stress off Mac Jones or exploit Tampa Bay’s secondary points, both. In the meantime, Invoice Belichick can take away one goal from the GOAT, however Brady’s acquired a lot extra, together with motivated ex-Pats Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown, to tear aside a protection he is aware of higher than anybody else. Buccaneers 38, Patriots 10

Invoice Bender

This may have the identical vitality as Brett Favre’s first season with Minnesota when he confronted the Packers, and Favre delivered in that spot. Brady will, too. New England ranks second within the NFL in cross protection, so the Bucs will assault by the bottom early. Brady will throw for 2 TDs, and the protection will press right into a pair of fourth-quarter turnovers. It is an entertaining homecoming, but it surely will not be a full-fledged blowout. Buccaneers 31, Patriots 21

Invoice Trocchi

The Patriots are going to show Mac Jones free this week just like how the Cowboys attacked the Bucs. The gamble right here is the rookie is prepared for it, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will put him in place to succeed. Brady’s big-game chops are unquestioned, however he’s not been infallible. Patriots will want some luck, and so they’ll get it in entrance of the house crowd. Patriots 34, Buccaneers 30

IYER: Why Patriots have zero likelihood to beat Tom Brady, Buccaneers in revenge recreation

Joe Rivera

It is onerous to see a method the Patriots win this recreation, even at dwelling. Mac Jones has been “Captain Checkdown” by his first three begins, and his final was about as unhealthy as unhealthy can get. The Patriots protection is nice, but it surely’s not going to be ok to match up with a returning Tom Brady, Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski and the remainder of Tampa Bay’s firepower. Oh, and to tack it on, a motivated Brady is a scary factor. Anticipate the Todd Bowles protection to place some stress on a confused Jones with Brady surgically selecting aside New England’s protection. This one will not be a complete blowout, but it surely’ll teeter on the sting of changing into one. Buccaneers 30, Patriots 17 

Jacob Camenker

The Bucs might be able to remove the Patriots’ run recreation, however they have not been capable of cease anybody by the air thus far this season. Mac Jones will not make sufficient huge performs to win this one, but when he can effectively transfer the ball on a Tampa Bay protection that’s permitting a league-high 338.3 passing yards per recreation, New England ought to preserve this nearer than individuals assume. Nevertheless, pretty much as good because the Patriots’ protection is, Tom Brady is aware of Invoice Belichick’s scheme and plans higher than every other quarterback within the league. He ought to finally assist the Buccaneers draw back late. Buccaneers 31, Patriots 24

Karisa Maxwell

Cool Dad Brady FTW. Buccaneers 31, Patriots 18

Jake Aferiat

Mac Jones has appeared stable, not nice, and his two greatest video games have been towards two of the worst groups in soccer — the Jets and Dolphins. He would not have a 300-yard passing or multi-touchdown recreation but. That, coupled with poor efficiency from his ability place gamers so far, would not encourage a lot confidence that issues will drastically enhance towards a Tampa Bay crew that is been among the many league’s greatest on offense. Buccaneers 35, Patriots 14