The New England Patriots improved to 11-2 with a 33-15 victory over the New York Giants on Monday night, positioning them as the AFC's No. 1 seed. Coach Mike Vrabel's leadership has turned around the team from back-to-back 4-13 seasons, making him a heavy favorite for NFL Coach of the Year. Quarterback Drake Maye has also emerged as the MVP frontrunner with league-leading stats.
The New England Patriots' 33-15 win over the New York Giants marked their 10th straight victory, bringing their record to 11-2 and giving them a 2.5-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. This result, following Week 13, sends the Patriots into their bye week as the AFC's top seed with a clear path to a first-round playoff bye.
Drake Maye, in his second season, completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants, including a 33-yard score to Kyle Williams. He leads the NFL in completion percentage at 71.5%, passing yards with 3,412, and passer rating at 111.9. Maye is the fifth second-year quarterback to win 10 consecutive starts, joining John Elway, Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and Lamar Jackson, all of whom later won NFL MVP or a Super Bowl. At FanDuel Sportsbook, Maye is the MVP favorite at -125.
Mike Vrabel, hired by owner Robert Kraft after serving as a legendary Patriots linebacker, has orchestrated this turnaround. He previously won Coach of the Year in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans, who went 12-5 despite injuries and used a record 91 players. New additions have thrived under Vrabel: rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson leads in rushing, free-agent Stefon Diggs in receiving, Robert Spillane in tackles, and Harold Landry in sacks.
Cornerback Carlton Davis praised Vrabel, saying, "He came off being a cool guy, personable, players coach. Everybody kind of bought into it, and we kind of created this quick brotherhood and this bond between each other, where we want to play for each other. But we also want to play for him."
Head coach Vrabel lauded Maye: "I think he's realizing what he can be, and what the impact that he makes on this offense and being the conductor. He's hard on himself. I think that he challenges himself as well as his coaches. He means a great deal to this football team."
Despite the best record in the NFL, the Patriots face questions about their strength of schedule, the easiest in the league. Key wins include a Week 5 upset over the Bills, but losses to the Raiders and Steelers, and close games against the Saints, Bengals, and Falcons, temper enthusiasm. Upcoming challenges include the Bills in Week 15 and Ravens the following week. Playoff odds show an 88.1% chance to win the AFC East, 27.7% for the AFC Championship, and 13.6% for Super Bowl LX.