New England vs. Washington Commanders Week 9: How to Watch, Betting Odds, Patriots Favored?

The New England Patriots welcome the Washington Commanders Sunday as both teams hope to get things right after disappointing stretches.

The New England Patriots welcome the Washington Commanders Sunday as both teams hope to get things right after disappointing stretches. New England has won just two games this season and lost four of its last five.

Based on the current record and lack of success this season, many thought New England would be active sellers at the trade deadline this week. They weren't. And when coach Bill Belichick was asked about it, his reply was telling.

“We’re getting ready for Washington,” Belichick said.

The Commanders started the season 2-0, but now have lost five of their last six, and were dealers this week before the trade deadline. Washington added valuable draft picks to its arsenal by trading away defensive standouts Chase Young and Montez Sweat.

The Patriots will be favored Sunday against Washington for only the third time this season

Even with the trades, Washington coach Ron Rivera said the season is not done. “It’s an opportunity to see what else we have,” Rivera said. “It’s an opportunity to go out and win football games using different guys.”

The Patriots need a "get right game" after a loss at Miami just a week after seemingly getting things back on track against Buffalo. Quarterback Mac Jones threw two touchdowns against the Dolphins but also registered his eighth interception.

“It’s really hard, but focus on what you can do better as a player. Young guys, old guys, everybody,” Jones said. “It’s all about striving for getting better and working together and communicating and figuring out how to win by week versus looking at the grand picture.”

Rivera and the Commanders have attempted to focus on the development of second-year quarterback Sam Howell, and he just set career highs in the 38-31 loss to Philly last week with 397 passing yards and four touchdowns.

“I just thought as a whole offensively we were very efficient and did a good job in first and second down, which made the third downs more manageable,” Howell said. “That’s probably our best game on third down so far this year. We did some good things. We just got to find a way to finish and find a way to win.”

WHAT: Washington Commanders (3-5, 2-2 Road) at New England Patriots (2-6, 1-3 Home)

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, 1 p.m. ET

WHERE: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MD (64,628)

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub

TICKETS via SI TICKETS

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Patriots -2.5

TOTAL: 43.5

MONEYLINE: Commanders +125, Patriots -150

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