New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has made an important decision ahead of his team’s 2024 season finale against the Buffalo Bills. The update is one that will catch attention across the NFL.
The first-year coach announced on Wednesday that first-round rookie Drake Maye will get the nod, pending health, along with the rest of the Patriots’ starters, against the Bills in Week 18:
News story: Drake Maye expected to start season finale.
Said head coach Jerod Mayo: “I’ve never been a part of a team as a player or as a coach going into a game not wanting to win. That’s not going to change today.”https://t.co/xv1smW1Us8
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 1, 2025
Maye was injured briefly in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers went he was checked out for a head injury but he did return.
From Buffalo’s perspective, the news doesn’t mean a whole lot. The Bills (3-13) have nothing to play for since Buffalo has already locked up the No. 2 seed heading into the postseason.
However, it’s huge news because of the 2025 NFL draft.
The Pats’ 2024 draft class hasn’t been touted as a very good rookie group this season… aside from Maye. He’s a long way from being solidified as a top-tier NFL quarterback, but as a first-year pro, Maye has impressed more and more.
But last week the draft order had a huge shakeup.
The New York Giants shockingly won and no longer hold the No. 1 overall pick like they previously did. Thanks to tiebreakers, the Patriots and Giants both have 3-13 records but it is New England now slated to hold the top selection. New York dropped all the way down to the fourth position.
In addition to those two, the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns share the same record.
Those three teams (moreso their fans) will love hearing the Pats will start their best players against Buffalo as the Bills are not going to be going full strength. It’s all about the draft order for the others at this point.
And, naturally, it’s worth noting who the Bills will face in general.
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