Footballguys on Drake Maye
From the article
The New England Patriots had the easiest strength of schedule in the league last season, avoided every top-10 scoring defense and feasted on eight games against bottom-nine units. Winning the AFC East hands New England a first-place schedule. The Patriots now carry the fifth-hardest strength of schedule for passing in 2026.
STACKED’s take
Maye's 2025 breakout was schedule-dependent; 2026 slate is fifth-hardest for passing.
The source warns that Maye's 2025 breakout season—4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, fourth in rushing yards among QBs, third in fantasy points—was built on the easiest strength of schedule in the league, with the Patriots avoiding every top-10 scoring defense and feasting on eight games against bottom-nine units. Winning the AFC East hands New England a first-place schedule; the Patriots now carry the fifth-hardest strength of schedule for passing in 2026, facing Pittsburgh, Seattle, and the defenses of the NFC North and AFC West. Asking Maye to back up last year's numbers on a far more difficult schedule while playing for a team that was 23rd in the league in pass attempts is described as sailing past optimism into delusion. Maye's ADP currently sits third among quarterbacks, matching his finish last season.
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