3 Biggest X-Factors For Packers to Win Week 9 vs Patriots

After taking down the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football last week, the Green Bay Packers will be coming into Week 9 fresh and ready to go.

Green Bay will be traveling out on the road to face off against the New England Patriots, giving themselves a nice challenge. The Packers will enter the game with a record of 5-3 on the season, sitting in last place in the NFC North.

New England will also come into the game with a record of 5-3 on the season, with them coming off a win last week, also. The Patriots are sitting in second place in the AFC East heading into this contest.

The two teams seasons have gone very similarly, with each starting the year off in a slow manner. But each has started to put it together on the field, making for an interesting game this weekend.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Packers to get the big road win over the Patriots:

1. Get the Running Game Going

One way for the Packers to get the win this week is for the running game to get going finally. Even with starter Josh Jacobs back in the lineup, the rushing attack has continued to be weak for the Packers.

Green Bay has to find a way to open running lanes for Jacobs and others, helping the entire offense out. The Patriots have a good defense, but the Packers still need to make sure to be a well-balanced offense.

2. Keep Jordan Love Upright

Jordan Love has done everything for the Packers this season, carrying the team while others figured things out. Against the Patriots, the offensive line is going to have to make sure to keep him upright, allowing him time to throw the ball.

Love leads the league in passing yards right now, and he will try to extend that lead this week against the Patriots. If Love has time to throw the ball, Green Bay's offense can be lethal.

3. Pressure Drake Maye 

While Maye has started to play much more clean football this season, he is still prone to turning the ball over. If the Packers can get into the backfield to pressure Maye, the secondary could have some opportunities for turnovers.

The Green Bay defense has played well this season, and Maye will be a challenge to deal with, but this group should be ready. Getting in the face of the Patriots signal-caller has proven to work well for opposing teams through his career.