Is Drake Maye playing today? Why Patriots' playoff scenarios matter for QB and Stefon Diggs

1 week ago 2

Is Drake Maye playing today? Why Patriots' playoff scenarios matter for QB and Stefon Diggs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots get to play the finale of this incredible turnaround regular season on Sunday in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins.

Drake Maye, in his second season, has joined with head coach Mike Vrabel to create a thrilling campaign for the Pats, who are already AFC East Division champions.

There's still more to play for, too, and that will impact Maye's availability in Week 18.

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Is Drake Maye playing today?

Yes, the second-year QB is expected to start against the Dolphins.

That's because the Patriots still have a major thing to play for: the AFC's No. 1 seed.

That's the only spot in the conference that gets a first-round bye, which is obviously a key advantage. It also comes with home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

The Patriots would be the 1-seed if they win and the Broncos lose to the Chargers.

That's worth playing for, for sure, and Maye is expected to have his top target Stefon Diggs out there with him.

It would make some sense for the Patriots to pull Maye early if they get a big lead, or if the Broncos get a massive lead in their game against the Chargers, who are resting QB Justin Herbert and starting Trey Lance in his place.

But as long as the 1-seed is within reach, Maye will likely be playing his part.