The New England Patriots’ impressive 10-game win streak came to a screeching halt on Sunday against their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen. Despite the tough loss, which snapped their dominant run and put a slight dent in their AFC East title aspirations, the Patriots remain a formidable force in the conference. With head coach Mike Vrabel instilling a winning culture in his second year, and second-year quarterback Drake Maye emerging as a superstar, New England is still on track for the playoffs and potentially a deep postseason run.
But amid the disappointment of the defeat, the NFL dropped a major bombshell on Monday: Drake Maye is leading the Pro Bowl voting league-wide. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Maye has surged ahead of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and holds a nearly 20,000-vote lead over both Josh Allen and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. This update comes at a pivotal time, highlighting Maye’s rising popularity and stellar performance in just his sophomore season.
Maye’s ascent to the top of the Pro Bowl voting charts is no fluke. Through 14 games, the young signal-caller has thrown for 3,567 yards (fifth in the NFL), 23 touchdowns (tied for fifth), and just seven interceptions. On the ground, he’s added 362 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 85 carries, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. His leadership has transformed a Patriots team that entered the post-Tom Brady era with low expectations into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
This Pro Bowl lead isn’t just about fan votes—it’s a testament to Maye’s impact on the field. Plays like his downfield block for running back TreVeyon Henderson have gone viral, winning over fans and analysts alike. Even in the loss to the Bills, Maye showed poise, nearly engineering a comeback before Buffalo sealed the win.
Beyond the Pro Bowl buzz, Maye is firmly in the conversation for NFL MVP. He’s competing with veterans like Stafford, who’s revitalized the Rams, and Allen, fresh off his comeback victory against New England. However, Maye’s case stands out: He’s elevated a rebuilding Patriots squad that few predicted would contend this deeply into the 2025 season. His stats, combined with the team’s success, make a compelling argument for the award.
With three games remaining—against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, the New York Jets in Week 17, and the Miami Dolphins in Week 18—the Patriots aim to clinch the AFC East. The Ravens, vying for the AFC North with Lamar Jackson at the helm, will be a stern test. But matchups against the Jets and Dolphins could provide Maye with opportunities to pad his stats and further solidify his MVP candidacy.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes are on Maye. This Pro Bowl voting update from the NFL not only softens the blow of the Bills loss but also cements his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars. If the Patriots can regroup and finish strong, Maye might just lead them to their first Super Bowl appearance since the Brady era—and perhaps take home some hardware along the way.
