The New England Patriots’ 10-game winning streak came to a screeching halt in Week 15 - and it wasn’t just the loss that stung. It was the way it happened.
Up 21-0 against the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots looked like they were ready to cruise into another AFC East crown. Instead, they watched it slip away in a 35-31 defeat that not only ended the streak, but also delayed their chance to lock up the division.
Still, it’s not time to hit the panic button in Foxborough. At 11-3, New England maintains a one-game lead over the surging Bills, and the path to the AFC’s top playoff seed is still open - though it’ll take a little outside help. What’s in their control is a three-game stretch to close the regular season, starting with the toughest test left on the schedule: a primetime showdown on the road against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.
This is where head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye can prove just how battle-tested this team really is. If they can get past Baltimore, matchups with the struggling Dolphins and the last-place Jets await. But first things first - Baltimore.
One of the biggest revelations this season for New England has been the ground game. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has burst onto the scene with 773 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 per carry and punching in seven touchdowns.
He’s not just consistent - he’s explosive, with six runs of 20-plus yards, including a 69-yard sprint that showed off his breakaway speed. Complementing him is the steady presence of veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s added 374 yards and three scores of his own.
Together, they’ve given the Patriots a dangerous one-two punch out of the backfield.
On the other side, the Ravens have been fighting to stay afloat this season. At 7-7, they’re clinging to playoff hopes and trying to track down the Steelers in the AFC North.
Lamar Jackson hasn’t been his usual electric self - injuries have slowed him down, and the offense hasn’t found its rhythm. That said, Jackson is still Lamar, and he’s capable of flipping a game on one play.
This matchup offers a golden opportunity for Maye to remind everyone why he’s in the MVP conversation. Sure, Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford might be getting more national buzz right now, but Maye’s numbers speak for themselves: 290 completions on 409 attempts, 3,567 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just seven picks. Add in 362 rushing yards and four more scores on the ground, and you’ve got a quarterback who’s been doing it all.
What’s set Maye apart in Year 2 is his decision-making. He’s processing defenses like a veteran, knowing when to get the ball out quickly and when to buy an extra second.
And when it’s time to take off, he’s not hesitating. His poise under pressure has been a major reason the Patriots are where they are.
He’s also developed strong chemistry with his receiving corps. Stefon Diggs has been a stabilizing force, hauling in 67 catches for 731 yards and three touchdowns.
He might not be the deep threat he was in his prime, but he’s still a technician - crafty, reliable, and always in the right spot when Maye needs a bailout. Kayshon Boutte and tight end Hunter Henry have also stepped up, giving Maye a trio of dependable targets.
Baltimore’s defense, once a feared unit, has taken a step back this season - particularly against the pass. They rank 26th in the league, giving up 233.4 yards per game through the air. That’s a glaring weakness, especially with a quarterback like Maye coming to town.
Defensively, the Patriots continue to be one of the league’s most disciplined and effective units. They rank seventh overall, allowing just 19.7 points and 300.1 total yards per game. And while they don’t have a single dominant pass rusher, their defense is built on balance and playmaking.
Cornerback Marcus Jones has been a standout. He leads the team with 11 passes defensed and three interceptions, and he’s been a spark plug in the return game, too - with one pick-six and two punt return touchdowns. He’s not just a coverage guy; he’s a game-changer.
Up front, linebackers Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson have done a solid job generating pressure. Landry leads the team with 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, while Chaisson has chipped in with 6.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. They’re not household names, but they’ve been relentless - and they’ll need to be again to contain Jackson and keep him from breaking the game open.
Jackson will get his moments - he always does - but the Patriots have the defensive backfield to limit the damage. If Jones and company can keep the Ravens’ big plays in check, and if Maye continues to play with the poise and precision that’s defined his season, New England has a real shot at walking out of Baltimore with a win.
This game isn’t just about bouncing back from a loss - it’s about proving that the Patriots are built for January football. And if they can handle business in Baltimore, they’ll be one step closer to making sure the road to the Super Bowl runs through Foxborough.