Drake Maye

Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt said Drake Maye will start in Week 18 against the Bills.

A loss would secure the No. 1 overall pick for the Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Van Pelt added at Thursday’s presser that they are “playing the game to win the game.” The Patriots could very well escape with a win at home, as the Bills are expected to sit most of their starters with the division already won and their playoff spot secured. Maye is dealing with a hand injury and was listed as limited in Wednesday’s practice, but this appears to be a minor issue.