Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Patriots Announce Drake Maye News Before Chargers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 3:56 PM ET

The New England Patriots (14-3) and the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) face off on Sunday in the wild-card round. The Patriots are looking to stay hot, currently riding a three-game winning streak.

The offense, which averages 28.8 points per game, is led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He can be attributed to much of the team's success, completing 354-of-492 passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 113.5 passer rating. He's also rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns on 103 carries.

With him under center, the Patriots are looking to make it past the wild-card round for the first time since 2018.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

While pressure mounts on Maye and New England, the 23-year-old quarterback continues to earn recognition. On Friday, days before playing the Chargers, the Patriots announced Maye has been named a finalist for one of the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year.

"earned this nod ‍↕️ @DrakeMaye2 | @FedEx," the team wrote via an X post.

earned this nod ‍↕️@DrakeMaye2 | @FedEx

VOTE: https://t.co/oB3X81PJB1 pic.twitter.com/G6MR4o56gF
— z - New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 9, 2026

For the first time, there will be three winners, one quarterback, one running back and one wide receiver/tight end. The recipients will be selected by fans, with voting open from Jan. 9 to Feb. 4.

The other quarterbacks to be named finalists are Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Maye has the potential to be the first Patriots player to ever win the award. The winners will be announced on Feb. 5 at the NFL Honors ceremony.

He can continue making his case against a Chargers pass defense that has been strong. Los Angeles finished the regular season ranked fifth in passing yards allowed per game (179.9).

DraftKings placed the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium, airing on NBC and Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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