New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has helped the franchise return to the top of the AFC East for the first time since Tom Brady’s final season in 2019, marking a milestone in the team’s post-Brady resurgence.

The Patriots cruised to a dominant 42-10 victory over division rival New York Jets last weekend, showcasing a potent offense and near-flawless execution, while Buffalo’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 13-12 allowed New England to clinch the AFC East title outright.

With the division secured, the Patriots still have aspirations for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, but that goal hinges on a Week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins and hoping the Denver Broncos lose to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Should Denver win in Week 18, New England would drop to the No. 2 seed regardless of their own outcome against the Dolphins, a scenario that keeps the Patriots’ playoff path both strategic and suspenseful entering the final week of the regular season.

Meanwhile, the Patriots were responsible for another storyline that affected their AFC East rival with nothing left to play for, as New England drew league attention after a Week 17 incident involving quarterback Drake Maye.

Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson was penalized and fined by the NFL following a dangerous hit on Maye during their matchup at MetLife Stadium, illustrating the high stakes and physical intensity that Maye navigates every game.

Maye’s performance against the Jets was exceptional: he threw for 256 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions, and posted a near-perfect 157.0 passer rating, making him one of the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in the league this season.

However, the highlight—or lowlight depending on perspective—came late in the second quarter on a third-and-6 play, when Maye took a hard hit while attempting a pass to Stefon Diggs, resulting in an incompletion but a key 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty.

Johnson’s forearm and helmet contact with Maye’s head and upper body drew league scrutiny, culminating in a $17,389 fine, while Jets teammates Jordan Clark and Isaiah Davis were also fined $4,703 and $5,686, respectively, for taunting and improper helmet use.

Despite the hit, Maye’s resilience shone through, and his performance has vaulted him to the forefront of the NFL MVP race, particularly as other notable quarterbacks, including Matthew Stafford, have struggled with turnovers and lower efficiency metrics.

Maye currently holds the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook to win NFL MVP (-295), followed by Stafford (+225), 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (+10000), and Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (+10000), highlighting the level of recognition Maye has earned for his elite play this season.

Debates have emerged about whether Maye’s schedule and opposition strength should factor into MVP considerations, but analysts like The Ringer’s Bill Simmons argue that advanced metrics firmly support Maye’s candidacy over Stafford, citing offensive efficiency and high-stakes playmaking.

“You go through the advanced metrics, it’s so convincing for Maye, it’s like you almost have to look twice,” Simmons said, emphasizing that New England’s top offense by EPA and Maye’s consistent performance under pressure make him the league’s most deserving candidate.

Simmons highlighted the challenging circumstances Maye faces, threading long throws to multiple targets without the luxury of elite protection or indoors conditions, compared with Stafford who benefits from Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and a strong offensive line in more favorable surroundings.

Another critical point Simmons raised is that the MVP typically comes from a team in the 1-2 playoff seed range, further strengthening Maye’s argument as the Patriots are currently positioned to claim the top seed, demonstrating the convergence of individual excellence and team success.

As the Patriots prepare for Week 18 against the Dolphins, all eyes will be on Maye to continue his standout performances, secure the top seed, and solidify his place as a legitimate MVP contender while leading New England into the postseason.

Whether handling the physical punishment from defensive stars like Jermaine Johnson or orchestrating precision passing attacks, Maye has become the centerpiece of New England’s resurgence, blending poise, accuracy, and leadership in a season reminiscent of the franchise’s glory days.

The Patriots’ success this season underscores a broader narrative: a young quarterback stepping into a historically dominant franchise, elevating team performance, and capturing the attention of analysts, bettors, and fans alike across the NFL landscape.

Michael Gallagher covers the NFL for Heavy.com and brings over a decade of experience reporting on professional football, ensuring that every detail of Maye’s rise and the Patriots’ playoff push is chronicled with precision and insight.