Former NFL coach Jon Gruden has been proven correct.
Gruden viewed New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye differently than most talking heads last season. As a rookie, Maye directed the Patriots to just three wins in their opening 10 outings. The 2024 third-overall draft pick drew criticism for indecisive play.
Gruden saw something different. He saw a budding “superstar,” as reported by NBC Boston.
Fast forward nearly one year and Maye has developed into one of the league’s top performers. The Patriots (8-2), who are 5-0 on the road, lead the AFC East and rank as the conference’s No. 3 club.
Maye is a major reason the Patriots’ rebuilding project has hit overdrive. The Huntersville, N.C., native ranks No. 2 in completion percentage, according to Next Gen Stats.
Maye overcame a rough start last Sunday to lead the Patriots to a 28-23 victory over the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers by hitting Kyle Williams for a momentum-turning 74-yard touchdown. He finished a season-worst 16-for-31, but still compiled 270 passing yards and two scores.
Maye displayed why he is playing his way into the 2025 NFL regular-season MVP conversation. BetOnline Sportsbook listed Maye (+325) with the second-best odds. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (+300) remains the Week 11 favorite.
The Patriots host the New York Jets (2-7) at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night.
One season after predicting Maye would be a “superstar,” Gruden remained “impressed” after watching him struggle, yet still pull out the road win against one of the NFC’s top clubs in unfavorable conditions.
“To be honest with you, I was really eager to see Drake Maye play and, man, was I impressed,” Gruden said on “The Quick Snap” podcast. “I said, ‘This guy has got the it factor.’ ”
On a scale of 1-10, how spoiled are Patriots fans?
Coming off the heels of a 20-year dynastic run, you're supposed to toil for *years* in search of a spark, the next franchise player to lead your team.
And then comes Drake Maye and… here we go again. 🤣
Grateful!#MVP pic.twitter.com/WHi1f15fUk
— Matt Sharpe (@thatmattsharpe) November 12, 2025
2025 NFL Regular-Season MVP Odds
Here is a Week 11 look at the NFL’s winning odds for the 2025 regular-season MVP honor, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:
| Player | 2025 NFL Regular-Season MVP Odds |
|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | +300 |
| Drake Maye | +325 |
| Jonathan Taylor | +350 |
| Patrick Mahomes | +650 |
| Josh Allen | +800 |
| Sam Darnold | +850 |
| Lamar Jackson | +2000 |
| Jalen Hurts | +2200 |
| Jared Goff | +2200 |
| Justin Herbert | +2800 |
| Baker Mayfield | +2800 |
| Jordan Love | +5000 |
| Daniel Jones | +5000 |
| Bo Nix | +10000 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | +10000 |
*-Odds current at time of publication
