As the NFL season barrels toward its climax, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has seized the MVP conversation with a season that’s been nothing short of surgical thus far. His dominance has featured 30 touchdowns against just two picks through 11 games, and oddsmakers have installed him as a heavy favorite to win his first MVP.

For the New England Patriots, perched atop the AFC at 10-2, this shift in the MVP spotlight couldn’t come at a better time. Although Drake Maye is the MVP runner-up right now, Stafford’s lead over Maye serves as an unexpected shield, allowing New...

For the third straight time, the New England Patriots are less than one week ahead of a game and still don’t know who their next opponent’s starting quarterback will be.

Justin Fields (temporarily) hung onto his starting job for the Patriots-New York Jets “Thursday Night Football” game in Week 11 and Joe Flacco remained QB1 for the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12 while Joe Burrow was sidelined.

Now, New England is waiting to see if they’ll be facing rookie Jaxson Dart or veteran journeyman Jameis Winston in Week 13 vs. the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.”

“Jaxson Dart...

The New England Patriots have cruised to a 10-2 record through their first 12 games, despite adding virtually no reinforcements throughout the season. Could that change after the Buffalo Bills’ latest roster move?

A couple of potential free agent targets emerged last week when both running back Dameon Pierce and wide receiver Brandin Cooks were released by their respective teams. Pierce ended up signing with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, though, and Cooks found his way to the Bills.

In order to make room for Cooks, though, Buffalo had to release someone, as the team signed him to its...

The 32 nominees for the 2025 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award have been finalized.

New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones finds himself among them, the NFL announced Wednesday.

The organization circled the all-purpose threat for the 12th annual honor, which was created in the name of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field and best demonstrate the qualities of fair play, respect for the game and opponents and integrity in competition.​

Jones, 27, stands as the last...

A lot has gone right for the New England Patriots so far this season, which can be seen clear as day with their 10-2 record. One of the bigger developments on the defensive side of the ball has been the play of slot cornerback Marcus Jones.

After bursting onto the scene as a rookie and earning a spot on the All-Pro First Team as a returner, Jones struggled over the past two seasons. However, he put together a strong training camp and quickly made himself a crucial piece of Mike Vrabel’s new look defense.

Jones had constantly been making big...

The New England Patriots, armed with a 10-2 record, are sitting atop the AFC heading into Week 12. A big reason for their success has been the play of second-year quarterback Drake Maye, but he isn’t the only passer who has led his team to a surprising amount of success this season.

Another guy who fits that bill is Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Daniel Jones. After getting signed to a meager one-year, $14 million contract in free agency, Jones beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting job and has led his new team to an 8-3 record through 11 games.

One...

The New England Patriots keep climbing the NFL hierarchy amid a nine-game winning streak. They reached a new high point in Tom Brady’s power rankings entering Week 13.

Brady placed the Patriots as his top AFC team at No. 2. The iconic quarterback had them No. 3 two weeks ago and No. 4 last week.

Mike Vrabel’s squad moved up after surviving an unpretty 26-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday.

“No style points as the Patriots’ dreaded rival, Joe Flacco, hung around for four quarters,” Brady said. “But Vrabel and the Pats ended up taking care of business...

Dianna Russini of The Athletic gave a bit more clarity regarding injury timelines for New England Patriots rookie offensive linemen Jared Wilson and Will Campbell on Wednesday.

“New England Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell is expected to miss at least four weeks with a knee injury and will most likely land on injured reserve,” the senior NFL insider wrote. “But rookie left guard Jared Wilson (ankle) has received better news and could be back much sooner.”

Wilson was carted off the field early in the Patriots’ Week 12 win vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, playing just four snaps before suffering...

TEAM TALK

• Roster Moves: T Thayer Munford Jr. has been signed to the 53-man roster from the Browns practice squad. CB Alex Austin has been placed on IR, G Bill Murray has been signed to the practice squad.
• Evan Lazar reports Efton Chism honors ‘Big Heart, Big Smile’ Foundation with custom cleats.
• Mike Dussault tells us Rodney Harrison, Adam Vinatieri, and Vince Wilfork advanced as Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of ’26 Semifinalists
• Vrabel X’s and O’s: Film review of the key moments from the win over the Bengals. (3 min. video)
• **Sights and...

The New England Patriots are preparing for a Week 13 matchup with the New York Giants before they can finally enjoy their bye week in Week 14. Ahead of this game, Drake Maye received a rather odd backhanded compliment from star pass rusher Brian Burns.

In his first full season as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, Maye has been excellent, throwing for 3,130 yards and 21 touchdowns through 12 games. In the process, he’s turned himself into a surefire MVP candidate this year.

There are still areas in which Maye can grow, with one of them being his pass-rush recognition. When...

The New England Patriots will make their return to prime time this week, hosting the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium in what will be the their first Monday Night Football game since the 2022 season. The team of head coach Mike Vrabel is entering the contest off an NFL-best nine straight wins, trying to improve to 11-2 on the year and stay ahead of its competitors in the AFC.

In order to do so, however, they will have to beat a Giants team that, despite only winning two games so far, has plenty of talent on both sides of...

The New England Patriots picked up a 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, and one of the stars of the game was tight end Hunter Henry. In fact, if you ask head coach Mike Vrabel, he thinks the veteran pass catcher was responsible for helping get the offense on track.

While the Pats won this game, things weren’t looking good for them early on. Drake Maye was struggling with his accuracy, and he threw a pick-six to Geno Stone that quickly put the team in a 10-0 deficit.

After that costly play, Maye found his footing, thanks...