Drake Maye’s MVP Odds: Is He a Strong Contender?
The NFL season has seen an unexpected rise in the MVP conversation, largely thanks to young quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots. While popular names such as Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow initially dominated the MVP odds, Maye’s performance has shifted the narrative.
Drake Maye’s Stellar Performance
The 23-year-old quarterback has led the Patriots to a commendable 4-2 record, marking the best start for the team since 2019. This achievement is significant, as it’s also the best record for a Patriots quarterback not named Tom Brady since 1999.
- Quarterback Ranking: Maye ranks second in NFL completion percentage at 73.2%.
- Passer Rating: He holds the fourth-best passer rating at 112.5.
- Passing Yards: He is fifth in passing yards with 1,522 yards.
- Touchdowns: Maye has thrown 10 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions.
In addition to his impressive stats, Maye has thrown for over 200 yards in five consecutive games, with a passer rating exceeding 100 in each of those outings. Only a select few quarterbacks aged 23 and under—namely Patrick Mahomes, Dan Marino, and Dak Prescott—have achieved such a feat in NFL history.
MVP Odds Improvement
Drake Maye’s MVP odds have witnessed a dramatic rise. Initially set at +6600, he was tied for the 18th-best odds with Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix. After the Patriots’ surprising victory over the Buffalo Bills in week 5, his odds improved to +10000, reflecting a shared ranking with players like Saquon Barkley and Trevor Lawrence.
As of now, Maye’s odds to win the MVP are +2000, positioning him in eighth place among NFL quarterbacks. He currently trails Justin Herbert at +1900 and is ahead of Jayden Daniels, who started the season at +1100.
Key Insights from Analysts
Chad Graff, a senior writer for The Athletic, has closely monitored Maye’s growth. During the hiring process of head coach Mike Vrabel, the development of a high-caliber quarterback was a priority. Vrabel believed in Maye despite his rookie struggles and aimed to harness his potential.
The coaching staff set out to minimize turnovers and refine Maye’s game by emphasizing short, manageable passes. As a result, Maye has decreased his turnover-worthy throw percentage from 3.5% to 2.1% this season.
Adjusting Game Strategy
Significantly, the Patriots have started to allow Maye more freedom. His average pass length has increased from 6.6 yards in the first three games to 9.2 yards over the last three, showcasing an evolving offensive strategy. This change suggests a more aggressive approach to utilizing Maye’s arm strength and potential for big plays.
Despite struggling with a lack of support from the running game—ranking 32nd in multiple rushing statistics—Maye is delivering one of the finest seasons across the league. His ability to excel under pressure further solidifies his status as a legitimate MVP contender this season.
