Drake Maye just turned a Patriots primetime moment into MVP momentum

Coming off a disastrous game against the Bills last week, which forced the Patriots to hold off on winning the division until potentially Week 18, it was crucial for them to bounce back in primetime against a consistent AFC frontrunner in the Ravens.

For much of the game, it wasn't looking possible, even with QB Lamar Jackson ruled out of the game due to a back injury.

That meant that a lot of pressure was going to be put on Drake Maye to get the Patriots back in it with a comeback performance, and he accomplished that with ease, especially in the fourth quarter.

It was a lot on the young quarterback's shoulders, especially since he had already eclipsed 300+ passing yards for the first time in his career, but he put the team on his back and brought the Patriots back into the win column and clinched a playoff berth.

That further solidified him as another top candidate to win MVP this season, only behind Rams' QB Matthew Stafford, who has been the favorite for much of the season.

Drake Maye just tightened the MVP race in a way Matthew Stafford wishes didn't happen

Maye's performance on Sunday night made the MVP race much closer, especially after the Rams lost to the Seahawks on Saturday afternoon.

It immediately puts him in the spotlight after a performance like this, and now Stafford will need to play nearly perfect football the rest of the way if he wants to ensure he receives the honor this year.

Patriots fans, on the other hand, are hoping that doesn't happen, and based on what the MVP award is supposed to mean, it feels far more fitting for Maye to win it than a 17-year veteran who is surrounded by incredible talent (WRs Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and RB Kyren Williams) with a Super Bowl-winning head coach.

It might be fair to suggest many quarterbacks would thrive in that position, but not those who would attempt to replace Maye.

Regardless, Patriots fans have made their feelings on the matter known throughout the season, and they showed up well in Baltimore to praise Maye at the end of the game.

With just two games left to be played and the division still up for grabs, it will be fun to see if Maye and the Patriots can end the regular season strong and prove what kind of team they are.