In one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 10 in the NFL, the New England Patriots defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-23. They secured their seventh consecutive victory, a result that brings the team very close to clinching a playoff spot.
There was additional concern among Patriots fans regarding this weekend’s matchup due to significant injuries that could impact the collective performance of the offense. However, one player in particular ended up shining even brighter and definitively assumed the status of the favorite to win the MVP award.
Drake Maye Takes Favoritism to Win NFL MVP Award
Young quarterback Drake Maye was not intimidated by injuries to running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Terrell Jennings, who suffered a knee injury early in the game. Maye took full responsibility for leading the ground game. He completed 16 of 31 passes for 270 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. The Patriots’ quarterback exercised leadership that is definitely worthy of an MVP.
Maye threw an accurate short pass to rookie Kyle Williams, resulting in a 72-yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter. He also turned a fourth down into a touchdown by connecting with Stefon Diggs at the end of the second quarter. The pass was placed exactly where the wide receiver could reach it.
Pats rookie WR Kyle Williams takes off for a 72-yard score!
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— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025
Decisive in the most crucial moments, Maye was not intimidated by the Buccaneers’ defensive pressure. He threw a long pass to Mack Hollins to secure a 54-yard gain. This was one of the Patriots’ best plays of the regular season.
Drake Maye connects for 54 yards on the deep ball!
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— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025
The rookie quarterback’s efficiency and the offense’s performance make the Patriots one of the NFL’s strongest teams today. Their record is now 8-2, tied with the Indianapolis Colts for best in the AFC. The trauma of five turnovers against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 21 was crucial in turning New England’s season around.
Josh Allen Loses MVP Favoritism After Poor Performance Against the Dolphins
While the Patriots QB stood out in Week 10, another MVP candidate struggled. Josh Allen played well below his usual standard. His poor performance was instrumental in the Buffalo Bills’ surprising 28-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Allen completed 28 of 40 passes for 306 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt. He was sacked 3 times and had two touchdowns, one interception, and 31 rushing yards. He lost one fumble and had a total of 2 turnovers that were decisive in the defeat.
The Bills had the NFL’s best rushing attack before Week 10, averaging over 160 yards per game. This number should excite the offense, considering how many yards the Dolphins’ defense gives up. However, Allen’s performance certainly impacted the race for the MVP trophy.