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Patriots Awaiting Punishment After Zay Flowers Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 12:58 AM ET

The New England Patriots are now 12-3 after a 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.

The Patriots were down 24-13 in the fourth quarter before scoring 15 unanswered points. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored a 21-yard touchdown with just over two minutes left to give the Patriots the victory.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson left the game early with an injury, and Tyler Huntley came in and finished the game.

In the third quarter, Huntley threw an eight-yard pass to Zay Flowers. After the play, another 15 yards were added as Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss was called for a facemask penalty.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) looks on during a game.Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Going into Week 17, Elliss might be facing punishment from the NFL for the play.

According to the NFL game day operations, a first-time facemask fine is $11,593 and a second-time offense will result in a $17,389 fine.

The NFL fined Giants TE Theo Johnson $6,488 for unnecessary roughness — going after Patriots LB Christian Elliss, who hit Jaxson Dart at the sideline.

Elliss wasn’t flagged or fined for the hit, which was deemed legal.

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— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 6, 2025

Earlier in December, Elliss was involved in a play with New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, although Elliss was not fined for the play.

From Week 15, Tommy Togiai of the Houston Texans was fined $9,625 for a facemask penalty and Jordyn Brooks of the Miami Dolphins received a $11,593 fine.

As for the Patriots, they have the same record as the Denver Broncos, so the race for the top seed in the AFC is getting very close for the final two weeks.

The Patriots finish the season with games against the New York Jets and the Dolphins.

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

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