The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018 and second-year QB Drake Maye is a big reason why. The Patriots were able to outlast the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, 10-7, in inclement weather. Maye only threw for 86 yards but also rushed for 65 and a score to help lead New England to a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
None of that mattered much for fantasy football, but coming off the season Maye just had it’s fair to wonder if he’s next up for the crown as QB1 overall. He nearly took that title from Bills QB Josh Allen this season and will be a hot commodity going into 2026. Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski discuss Maye’s outlook for next season and if he has a shot at overtaking Allen for the No. 1 QB honors.
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Pianowski immediately mentions the supporting cast. Like Allen, Maye operated all season without an alpha receiver. Sure, the Patriots got plenty out of Stefon Diggs at age 32 and Kayshon Boutte flashed some upside throughout the season. But New England lacked a clear No. 1 option in the passing game. Perhaps adding a top wideout will further increase Maye’s fantasy potential.
That could come in the form of a trade (perhaps for Eagles WR A.J. Brown) or via the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, where the Patriots will select at the back-end of the first round.
Harmon is also excited to see what Maye can do with better receivers but more importantly, when he grows up. Maye will turn just 24 years old prior to the start of the 2026 regular season. Assuming he stays on this trajectory, Maye should only continue to improve. Harmon thinks Maye still looks like “a little Bambi” out on the field and hasn’t fully developed.
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When he does, look out.
Maye led the NFL in completion percentage in 2025 at 72% on the season while throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 21.5 fantasy points per game.
Yahoo analyst Justin Boone has Maye ranked third in his early QB rankings for 2026 fantasy football. Maye jumps up one spot to QB2 overall in Boone’s dynasty rankings and trade value charts.
