FOXBORO — Drake Maye has to know he’s in the running. But when it comes to winning the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award, it’s not at the top of his list of to-dos.
“You know, the MVP is obviously one of the big accolades for this league,” Maye said Wednesday, “and it’s something that it’s an honor as a player to earn that award. And I respect all the past MVPs. But I think at the end of the day, winning the Super Bowl is the biggest thing.
“I think it’s what kind of makes this league go is winning the big one. That’s what you work toward, and that’s what this game’s about.
“I love winning and personal accolades come with all that, but I’d rather win than win personal awards. I hope people in that locker room, I know a lot of them, feel the same way.”
After the Patriots’ 10-game winning streak was snapped against Buffalo, Maye fell a bit in terms of the MVP odds. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is the favorite (-300), followed by Maye (+425) and Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen (+550), according to DraftKings.
At the moment, Maye ranks first in the NFL in completion percentage (70.9) and fifth in passing yards (3,567) and touchdowns (23). He’s third in quarterback rating (109.1) and second in yards per attempt (8.7).
Maye could boost his MVP stock with a strong showing in primetime against the Ravens on Sunday Night Football. But it appears his bigger focus is helping his team get back in the win column.