The Patriots might have been off the field this Sunday, but that didn’t stop their presence from looming large over the Week 13 NFL slate. With New England set to host the Giants on Monday Night Football before heading into their Week 14 bye, a few developments around the league had direct implications for the Patriots’ postseason outlook - and for one rookie quarterback’s growing MVP buzz.
Drake Maye’s MVP Case Just Got Stronger
Drake Maye didn’t even take a snap this weekend, and yet his MVP stock may have just gotten its biggest boost of the season.
Matthew Stafford, who had been the odds-on favorite for the award heading into Week 13, stumbled hard in a shocking loss to the Panthers. The Rams quarterback turned the ball over three times - two early interceptions and a costly fumble late - after entering the week with just two picks all year. That kind of regression in a high-leverage moment opens the door for Maye, whose steady hand and big-play ability have been fueling New England’s success all season.
The MVP race, once trending heavily toward Stafford, is now essentially a coin flip. Maye’s odds have surged, and with the Patriots in prime playoff position, the rookie’s case is only gaining momentum.
If he continues to deliver in December, the conversation may shift from “can he win it?” to “how can he not?”
Patriots, Broncos Eye AFC’s Top Spot
When it comes to the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed, it’s looking more and more like a two-horse sprint between the Patriots and the Broncos.
Both teams benefited from a key result on Sunday: the Texans knocking off the Colts. Heading into the week, ESPN’s Football Power Index gave New England a 38% chance and Denver a 35% shot at locking up the top seed and the coveted first-round bye. The Colts were a distant third at 19%, and that number took a hit after their loss.
It’s not just about home-field advantage - it’s about rest, momentum, and avoiding that brutal Wild Card Weekend. With just a few games left, every result matters, and the Patriots are right where they want to be: in control of their own destiny.
Opponents Starting to Look a Little Stronger
There’s been a lot of talk about the Patriots’ schedule this season - specifically, how manageable it’s been. But Week 13 reminded us that the NFL has a funny way of flipping narratives.
Several of New England’s 2025 opponents picked up wins this week, including the Panthers (who shocked the Rams), Buccaneers (who held off the Cardinals), Dolphins (who edged the Saints), and Jets (who walked it off against the Falcons). Even the Bengals, who beat the Ravens on Friday, added to the mix.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Patriots’ schedule was tougher than we thought - but it does highlight how unpredictable this league can be. Wins don’t come easy, no matter the opponent. And when you’re stacking victories like New England has, it says something about your ability to handle business, regardless of who’s on the other side.
A Week-to-Week League, Proven Again
If you needed a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, look no further than what happened in Carolina.
The Rams came in as 10-point road favorites, riding a hot streak and sitting atop the NFC. The Panthers?
They were .500, had just been blown out by the Patriots 42-13, and were coming off a loss to the Saints. On paper, this was a mismatch.
On the field, it was a meltdown - for Los Angeles.
That’s the beauty and brutality of the NFL. Every week is its own story, and reputations don’t win games.
The Patriots have been favored by a touchdown or more several times this season - and they’ve handled their business every single time. That kind of consistency is rare, and it’s why New England is in the thick of the AFC’s top-seed conversation.
What’s Next
With the Giants up next on Monday Night Football, the Patriots have a chance to make a statement in prime time before heading into their bye. And with the MVP race heating up, playoff positioning tightening, and the league as unpredictable as ever, every snap from here on out carries weight.
Buckle up - December football is here, and the Patriots are built for it.