![\"Patriots](\"https:\/\/w2pcms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/AP25306724297018.jpg\")
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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\u2019s final season in 2019, marking a milestone in the team\u2019s post-Brady resurgence.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 13-12 allowed New England to clinch the AFC East title outright.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019 playoff path both strategic and suspenseful entering the final week of the regular season.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Maye\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n However, the highlight\u2014or lowlight depending on perspective\u2014came 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Johnson\u2019s forearm and helmet contact with Maye\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the hit, Maye\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Debates have emerged about whether Maye\u2019s schedule and opposition strength should factor into MVP considerations, but analysts like The Ringer\u2019s Bill Simmons argue that advanced metrics firmly support Maye\u2019s candidacy over Stafford, citing offensive efficiency and high-stakes playmaking.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cYou go through the advanced metrics, it\u2019s so convincing for Maye, it\u2019s like you almost have to look twice,\u201d Simmons said, emphasizing that New England\u2019s top offense by EPA and Maye\u2019s consistent performance under pressure make him the league\u2019s most deserving candidate.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Another critical point Simmons raised is that the MVP typically comes from a team in the 1-2 playoff seed range, further strengthening Maye\u2019s argument as the Patriots are currently positioned to claim the top seed, demonstrating the convergence of individual excellence and team success.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether handling the physical punishment from defensive stars like Jermaine Johnson or orchestrating precision passing attacks, Maye has become the centerpiece of New England\u2019s resurgence, blending poise, accuracy, and leadership in a season reminiscent of the franchise\u2019s glory days.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Patriots\u2019 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s rise and the Patriots\u2019 playoff push is chronicled with precision and insight.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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\u2019s final season… 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