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Drake Maye has led the NFL MVP race since the season started, but his outstanding performance against the New York Jets in Week 17 may have settled the debate over the award for best player.
Drake Maye Had a Historic Performance Against the New York Jets
In a performance that will be remembered for a long time, the New England Patriots quarterback delivered one of the best passing performances in NFL history, achieving a near-perfect completion rate with 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns at MetLife Stadium.
With these statistics, Maye, who ranks No. 3 in the PFSN QB Impact metric with a B+ grade, became the first QB in history to complete at least 90% of his passes while also throwing for at least 250 yards and five touchdowns in a single game.
This established two distinct milestones: his record-setting pass completion rate and his achievement of high yardage with five touchdowns in the same contest, a feat unmatched before. It was a game that showcased his incredible offensive prowess.
This is an insane passing chart.
Drake “MVP” Maye
(📸 @NextGenStats) pic.twitter.com/RO8VOxWbJS
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 28, 2025
This performance could have been even better, but backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs took over in the third quarter with the Patriots already leading 42-3. Contributing to this standout showing, the 23-year-old connected with five different receivers for touchdowns, including Efton Chism III’s first career score. Austin Hooper, Rhamondre Stevenson, Stefon Diggs, and Hunter Henry were among his touchdown targets.
Drake Maye might’ve won MVP today.
So far: 19-of-21, 256 yards, 5 touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/l5g6ZMEccu
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 28, 2025
With 30 passing touchdowns this season, Maye is the first Patriots QB since Tom Brady (2017) to hit that milestone. He also enabled New England to achieve its first season with over 4,000 passing yards since Brady in 2019, while another notable milestone was his 71.7% completion percentage, the seventh-highest in NFL regular-season history.
The win also made the Patriots a perfect 8-0 on the road, just the third time in franchise history, including 2007 and 2016. Maye took a moment to praise the team for the feat during his post-game interview.
Maye Could Lead Patriots to AFC Title
Selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft from North Carolina, Maye has elevated his game significantly in his second season. His accuracy and pocket presence have set him apart, strengthening his MVP case as he competes with veterans like Matthew Stafford.
With a 13-3 record, the Patriots now contend for the AFC title and can aim for first place in their decisive Week 18 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, where they are heavy favorites at home. Their fate is also partly tied to the Denver Broncos, who face a tough challenge against the Los Angeles Chargers.
