How Drake Maye’s MVP Candidacy Could ‘Essentially End’ Week 15 Vs. Bills

The New England Patriots’ possible first playoff berth in four seasons and their potential first AFC East title in six years apparently aren’t the only things on the line during the team’s Week 15 clash with the Buffalo Bills.

NFL senior writer Vic Tafur of The Athletic opined Thursday that if New England were to lose to Josh Allen and company on Sunday, quarterback Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy would “essentially end.”

“A win by Allen’s Bills on Sunday would essentially end Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s MVP chances (Matthew Stafford is likely going to win anyway),” Tafur said.

He went on to argue why Buffalo is likely to win in Week 15, despite the contest being held at Gilette Stadium.

“A couple of reasons I like the Bills besides the whole Josh Allen Superman cape thing: 1) The Patriots’ offensive line is missing some parts since beating the Bills two months ago; 2) the Patriots miss defensive tackle Milton Williams (and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga) even more, as they are last in the NFL in run defense success rate the past four games, giving up 4.9 yards a pop,” Tafur wrote.

Maye has been one of the MVP frontrunners for much of the season and his second-year ascension should give all Patriots fans reason for optimism. Sunday is when Tafur believes Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford might pull away in the MVP race, however.