The Green Bay Packers are back at it after what feels like forever. 

It feels like they're coming off a bye heading into Week 9's matchup with the New England Patriots. And to be fair, it was a mini-bye.

The Packers last played on October 29 on Thursday Night Football. By the time you're reading this, that was 10 days ago.

Double-digit days is a long time to go without playing football in the NFL.

For the Packers, it was a chance to re-set after a 5-3 start, though. Frankly, it was a much-needed re-set, and hopefully it will have done this team well.

There's still extremely injured and maddeningly inconsistent on this side of the mini-bye, but Jordan Love is playing like a potential MVP candidate, Jonathan Gannon's defense looks really good and oh...Micah Parsons is getting back to practice.

That's right, the multi-time All-Pro is getting back to it, though he's not making any promises regarding his level of play. He's also likely not to be activated until the night before Thanksgiving, so he wont' play a role in this one.

That is a shame, because the Packers are on the road against one of the better teams in the AFC in the 5-3 Patriots.

Here's everything (else) you need to know about this game.

Location:

Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)

Game Time:

3:25 PM Lambeau Time

TV Channel:

FOX

Packers Injury Report:

Questionable: Chris Brooks (Ankle), MarShawn Lloyd (Knee), Keisean Nixon (Groin), 

Out: Zaire Franklin (Shin), Travis Glover (Knee), Micah Parsons (Knee), Sean Rhyan (Ankle), Josh Whyle (Concussion)

Patriots Injury Report:

Questionable: Hunter Henry (Foot), Kevin Byard (Chest), Carlton Davis III (Neck), Morgan Moses (Foot), Brenden Schooler (Hamstring), Greg Van Roten (Hamstring), 

Out: A.J. Brown (Ankle/Knee), TreVeyon Henderson (Illness), 

Betting Odds:

Packers +3.5, per DraftKings

Key Matchup: Brandon Cisse vs. DeMario Douglas

A.J. Brown was supposed to be a huge addition this offseason for the Patriots, but he's appeared in just three games this season due to injury. Tight end Hunter Henry is hopeful that he'll play, but he was limited in practice on Friday and did not practice earlier in the week. Running back TreVeyon Henderson is scarily dealing with neurological symptoms.

With all that firepower hampered, the Patriots are relaying on former 2023 sixth-round pick DeMario Douglas to fuel their offense. Douglas is having the best season of his career so far, with 26 catches for 332 yards and four touchdowns, but he's not the type of player the Pack will lose sleep game planning against.

In the meantime, Packers' rookie second-round pick Brandon Cisse was the NFL's defensive rookie of the month after recording 21 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception and one sack in October.

Cisse appears to be a rising star, and he should be able to neutralize Douglas when asked to go one-on-one with the former Liberty wideout. 

Key Quote: Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady on Jordan Love

"He's throwing the ball out of the pocket, in the pocket, down the field, he's seeing things so well," Brady said. "Coach LaFleur has a ton of confidence in him. When the coordinator and head coach have so much confidence in the quarterback, he's just gonna keep throwing it out there. … Jordan Love is playing exceptional football. This is the best of his career."

Prediction: 

Packers 20, Patriots 17