Patriots Surge: Mac Jones and Drake May Spark AFC Revival

Patriots Rising: Mac Jones, Drake May, and a Red Zone Renaissance

Well, well, well... look who's back in the AFC mix. The New England Patriots are doing more than just beating teams they should — they’re doing it with authority. Fresh off a 27-14 win over the Jets, there's real momentum building in Foxborough. And it’s not just about wins. It’s about how they’re winning. Let’s dig into the biggest stories from around the NFL with a special focus on the suddenly dangerous Patriots, a red-hot rookie QB battle, and what it all means for bettors.

Mac Jones Is Heating Up... Just in Time

Mac Jones took the Jets to school, and it looked easy. With pinpoint throws under pressure and a calm pocket presence that would make even Tom Brady nod in approval, Jones is starting to show the kind of poise you expect from a seasoned vet. He made every throw count, even the ones that didn’t end up in the box score. A 50-yard dime to Matt Collins? Dropped. A layered pass over Henry to Hollins? Knocked away at the last second. But the tape tells the truth — Jones is dealing.

Betting-wise, this matters. The Patriots are showing they can handle lesser opponents without sweating. That makes them a strong ATS (against the spread) play when facing weaker competition. With a big game against the Bengals on deck, Jones’ progression could be the key to unlocking value in upcoming spreads.

Drake May's MVP Buzz Is Getting Louder

It might be time to stop calling Drake May a "rookie quarterback" and just start calling him what he is: a top-tier NFL signal caller. May’s ability to read defenses before the snap, manipulate the pocket without bailing, and deliver accurate throws while on the move is turning heads across the league. That touchdown to Travion Henderson — the one where May looked like he was about to run, then casually flipped a pass over a defender for six — was straight out of an MVP highlight reel.

Speaking of Henderson, the rookie back is proving he’s more than just a home-run threat. That red zone run where he bounced off defenders and got a little help from his teammates to cross the goal line? That’s the kind of grit that wins playoff games — and boosts confidence in Patriots rushing props. Their run game still isn’t consistent down-to-down, but in the red zone, they’re getting it done. Bettors might want to start looking at red zone TD scorer props for Henderson moving forward.

And let’s not forget Stefan Diggs. The man is a cheat code on third downs and continues to be May’s go-to guy in clutch situations. He went for over 100 yards again, and that connection is becoming one of the most reliable in the league. When the Patriots need a play, it’s Diggs time. DFS players and prop hunters, take notice.

Rookie QB Redraft: May vs. Daniels vs. The Field

If we were redrafting the 2024 quarterback class today, Drake May would be the first pick. No debate. His combination of arm talent, processing, and durability puts him slightly ahead of Jaden Daniels, who’s also having a solid season but has raised some eyebrows with his injury history and slight build. Daniels still has that dynamic dual-threat ability, but May’s steadiness gives him the edge — at least for now.

Caleb Williams? He’s coming on strong too. His fourth-quarter flair is undeniable, and he’s starting to show that he can be the guy in Chicago. His arm talent is freakish, and once he puts it all together for four full quarters, look out. He’s younger than Daniels and still growing into his role. He’s currently the third QB in that redraft conversation, but with upside that could leapfrog him ahead before long.

Then there’s Bo Nix, who’s quietly proving he belongs. He’s 26, has played a ton of football, and looks like a legit NFL starter. The Broncos may not have figured out exactly what they want to be offensively, but when they let Nix cook late in games, he delivers. That’s enough to earn him the fourth spot in this redraft, ahead of J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., who are still showing flashes but haven’t put it all together yet.

Defensive Grit and Offensive Identity

The Patriots defense deserves some flowers too. Even with Milton Williams going down early, they adjusted and shut down the Jets’ run game in the second half. Christian Barmore made his presence felt, and New England’s defense continues to outperform expectations. They’re not just serviceable; they’re opportunistic. That’s a big deal for under bettors and for those targeting Patriots D/ST in fantasy formats.

As for the Jets, it’s still a mess. Justin Fields had a few moments on the ground and through the air, but drops, penalties, and overall sloppy execution continue to plague this team. They’re a stay-away in most betting formats until something changes dramatically — or they find a way to stop sabotaging themselves.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are showing signs of becoming a well-rounded team. The offense is evolving, the defense is sturdy, and the coaching is adjusting on the fly. That’s the formula for a team that could not only win the AFC East, but make a case for the one seed — especially if May keeps playing like this.

Takeaways

• Mac Jones is growing up fast: His poise and accuracy are giving the Patriots a real shot at a deep AFC run.
• Drake May is outplaying expectations: He’s in the MVP mix and currently leads the 2024 QB class redraft rankings.
• Travion Henderson is a red zone weapon: Look for him in touchdown scorer props — especially as the Patriots lean on power sets.
• The Patriots defense is sneaky good: They’re limiting big plays and clamping down late in games.
• The Jets are spiraling: Until they fix their offense, they’re a hard pass in most betting markets.

Next week’s matchup against the Bengals will be a real test for New England. But if Jones and May keep playing like this, and the defense keeps showing up, the Patriots might just be the team no one wants to face in January. Keep your eyes — and your bets — on Foxborough. Things are getting interesting.