Maye has a higher completion percentage, is well beyond 4,000 yards and has effectively matched Stafford's passer rating. Maye is also one win away from leading the Patriots to an AFC East title with less offensive talent around him, while the Rams fell to third in the NFC West in Week 16.

The Panthers and Bucs are also stumbling into Week 18 after Sunday's losses. Only one can win the last NFC playoff berth. Who has the edge?

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye's 11-yard rush converts fourth down deep in Jets territory. New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth connects from deep on a 56-yard field goal. Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for an 8-yard loss.

There was Drew Bledsoe. There was Tom Brady. And now there is Drake Maye. As if Maye hadn’t already made clear that he’s the third elite franchise quarterback in New England Patriots history, another milestone on Sunday confirmed it.

Former Bills quarterback and current “Thursday Night Football” analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick said that he’s buying stock in the Patriots as a contender following the victory, largely because of Drake Maye. In fact, Fitzpatrick was willing to go as far as comparing Maye to Tom Brady.