Patriots’ Remarkable Rise: From Rock Bottom to AFC Contenders
As 2025 winds down, the New England Patriots have flipped the script in a way few teams ever do. Just a year ago, they were 3-12 heading into Week 17, limping toward the finish line and hoping for a top draft pick.
That season ended with a win over Buffalo that dropped them to the No. 4 pick - a bittersweet victory at the time. But now, it feels like that stumble might’ve been the first step in a much bigger climb.
Fast forward to today: the Patriots are 12-3, riding high atop the AFC East, and playing their best football in years. What changed? Pretty much everything.
The Vrabel-May(e) Era Begins
Mike Vrabel’s arrival brought a new tone to Foxborough - tough, disciplined, and focused. And then came Drake Maye.
The rookie quarterback hasn’t just been good; he’s been electric. He’s brought life back to the offense, confidence back to the locker room, and hope back to a fanbase that had grown used to frustration.
Maye’s performance last week against the Ravens was a defining moment. Down 11 in the fourth quarter, on the road, with multiple key players sidelined, he delivered two clutch touchdown drives to steal a win and clinch a playoff berth.
He finished with 380 yards and two touchdowns - a performance that’s vaulted him into the MVP conversation. That’s not just a good rookie game; that’s a statement.
TreVeyon Henderson’s Impact - and His Absence
New England’s resurgence hasn’t been all about the quarterback. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has been a game-changer.
He leads the team with 776 rushing yards, is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and has found the end zone eight times. His explosive ability - with four touchdown runs of 50 yards or more - has given the Patriots a home-run threat they’ve lacked in recent years.
But there’s concern: Henderson exited the Ravens game in the second quarter with a concussion and didn’t return. His status for Sunday’s matchup against the Jets is uncertain, and his absence would be a major blow.
The Patriots are already thin on both lines, and the injury list is growing. They’re hoping to get reinforcements soon, including offensive tackle Will Campbell and defensive tackle Milton Williams coming off IR.
Next Up: Jets in the Crosshairs
This week, the Patriots head to MetLife Stadium to face a struggling Jets team that’s dropped three straight by at least 23 points and just lost quarterback Justin Fields to IR. It’s a matchup that heavily favors New England - especially considering they’re a perfect 7-0 on the road this season.
But this is the NFL, and Vrabel knows better than to overlook anyone. Expect him to keep his team focused on the task at hand.
A win would put even more pressure on Buffalo, who hosts a tough Eagles squad this week. The AFC East title is within reach for the Patriots - they can almost taste it. And while the No. 1 seed in the AFC is still in play, it’ll take a strong finish and some help.
Around the AFC East and Beyond
Here’s how the rest of the division stacks up this week:
- New England Patriots (12-3) at New York Jets (3-12)
- Buffalo Bills (11-4) vs.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
- Miami Dolphins (6-9) vs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
Other key AFC matchups with playoff implications:
- Denver Broncos (12-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) vs.
Houston Texans (10-5)
With two games left, the Patriots have an 80.9% chance to win the AFC East and a 31.3% shot at the No. 1 seed, according to DVOA. Not bad for a team that was picking fourth in the draft just a few months ago.
National Buzz: Maye’s MVP Momentum Grows
Drake Maye’s late-season surge is turning heads across the league. Analysts from CBS, NFL.com, FOX Sports, and more have bumped him up in their MVP rankings, citing his poise, production, and leadership in big moments. His 380-yard game against Baltimore - including a career-high 31 completions - was a turning point.
Even those who were skeptical are starting to come around. While some point out that the Ravens were without Lamar Jackson for much of the game, there’s no denying Maye’s impact. He took over when it mattered most, and that’s what MVP-caliber players do.
The Vrabel Effect
There’s also something bigger brewing in New England - a cultural shift. Postgame interviews have shown a team that’s locked in, unified, and focused on the collective.
Even veterans like Stefon Diggs, who joined the team with plenty of headlines, have bought into the Vrabel way. It’s not about individual accolades - it’s about the mission.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots still have work to do, and the injuries are a real concern. But they’ve already exceeded expectations and re-established themselves as a team no one wants to face in January. With two games left, they’re not just playing for playoff seeding - they’re playing for a shot at something much bigger.
And if Maye keeps playing like this, they might just get it.