Entering Week 18, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye sits as the odds-on favorite to win the NFL’s MVP award.
In a terrific sophomore season, Maye leads the league in EPA per play (+0.25), completion
percentage (71.7%), QBR (76.5) and passer rating (112.9). That pairs with the 23-year-old totaling over 4,600 scrimmage yards and 30 passing touchdowns — plus four on the ground — to eight interceptions as his 13-win Patriots are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
For Maye, however, the success comes from more than just him.
“Just an honor,” he said about being among the leading candidates. ”I’ve told everybody that has said some things in the locker room, ‘It’s us. It’s not just me, it’s us in the locker room.’ It’s really a team deal, I think. They say ‘player,’ but I think wins help that. So obviously, there’s been some great seasons around the league from a lot of players, and it’s an honor, but also at the same time, we’ve got work to do.“
Down the stretch of the season, Maye has entered a two-man race with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for the award. A three-interception loss on Monday Night Football by Stafford has propelled Maye into the favorite spot entering the last week of the regular season.
Maye, who has drawn comparisons to Stafford’s play-style early in his career, has been a fan of the 37-year gunslinger.
“Obviously, I saw him play here last year, and he was fun to watch,” Maye said. “I just watch him on tape a lot; we have some crossover games, and man, he’s special with the football. The way he throws it and how he fits in tight windows. His no-look, and he’s got some swagger. So, I’m a big fan of his game.
“I know we played him last year and talked to him briefly after the game, but no, I probably should have went up to him before the game. I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time. Just talk about natural throwers, any platform, any angle, he does it at a really high level, and it’s been fun watching him.”
While Maye leads Stafford in most statistics, many pundits have pointed to the Patriots weak schedule as a reason the award should ultimately reside in Los Angeles (even though Maye’s numbers are better against their six common opponents and against top-15 ranked pass defenses). The New England QB does not see that side of the argument.
“We play in the National Football League. Every team’s got great players that get paid a lot of money,” he said. “So, it’s not like we’re playing, shoot, Foxborough High School down the road. We play who’s on our schedule, and we can’t control that. Just trying to go out there and win. A lot of these teams that we do play are good, and they’re in the National Football League for a reason.”
