Patriots QB Drake Maye Emerges as MVP Front-Runner After Bucs Win

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has emerged as the MVP front-runner, with DraftKings odds shifting to make him the favorite (+275) after the Patriots' 28-23 victory over the Buccaneers. Maye delivered a 72-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams and beat a blitz to find Stefon Diggs for another score. In the first half against Todd Bowles' blitzing scheme, he completed 4-of-6 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, achieving a 149.3 QBR. Despite taking hits, he was sacked only once. Maye finished 16-for-31 (52%) with an 89.4 QBR, ending an eight-game streak of 100.0+ QBR and 200+ yards passing, a feat previously matched by Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Peyton Manning. He threw one interception on the goal line to Tykee Smith, expressing regret over the throw's placement rather than the decision itself.