Patriots QB Drake Maye has officially captured the NFL's attention

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level in his second NFL season, but skeptics have attributed the success to a weak schedule. Following Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Maye seems to finally be getting the respect he deserves.

Maye completed 16-of-31 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while leading the Patriots to a 28-23 win over the Buccaneers in Week 10. New England improved to 8-2 and passed its toughest test of the season by beating a legitimate playoff contender on the road.

Though he threw an untimely red-zone interception late in the game, Maye did enough to help the Patriots win their seventh consecutive game and increase their lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.

Drake Maye becomes the NFL MVP favorite

After New England beat the Buccaneers, Maye became the favorite at most sportsbooks to win the NFL MVP Award. Maye had previously been behind Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford and other players at various points through the first nine weeks of the season.

As of Monday morning, DraftKings listed Maye as the favorite to win MVP at +275. Stafford had the next-best odds at +300, followed by Mahomes at +500. FanDuel listed Maye as tied with Stafford at +300, with star running back Jonathan Taylor next at +500.

A lot can — and likely will — change in the MVP race down the stretch, but almost no one expected Maye to be the favorite well into the second half of the season.

Drake Maye has done more with less

Maye has 2,555 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions through 10 games. His passer rating is 113.9. Stafford's overall numbers are slightly better at 2,427 yards, 25 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 114.8 passer rating, but the Rams also have much better offensive weapons than the Patriots.

While Stafford has been throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, Maye has a receiving corps that is led by Stefon Diggs, who is not nearly as explosive as he was before tearing his ACL last year. Maye's other receivers include the lesser-known Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins. Maye's pinpoint accuracy and outstanding deep passes have elevated everyone around him.

Maye and Stafford are equally important to their respective teams, but most would agree that Maye has an inferior supporting cast. If he continues to play like a star, he could very well end up being named MVP in a few months.