Drake Maye

In theory, falling snow and a tougher-to-grip football could’ve become setbacks to New England’s big-play passing attack; with an opportunity to put the Texans away, though, Drake Maye and his surehanded receivers would entertain no such excuse. Unafraid to take a one-on-one shot against Houston’s First Team All-Pro cornerback along the perimeter, Maye delivered a pass of perfect precision, and his wideout matched that energy with a 32-yard snag that essentially put the opposition away. A dozen minutes later, the Patriots’ 28-16 win in the Divisional Round — and thus, a trip to the AFC Championship Game — became a reality, and Maye did his part in ensuring it through a 179-yard, three-touchdown performance on Jan. 18. 2026.