### Patriots' Dramatic Turnaround: Drake Maye and Rhamondre Stevenson Lead the Charge The New England Patriots have completed a remarkable turnaround in the 2026 NFL season, finishing with a 14-3 record and securing the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. This resurgence was highlighted by a decisive 38-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins, where quarterback Drake Maye showcased MVP-caliber performances and running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored three touchdowns. This win not only marked the Patriots' first sweep of the Dolphins since 2016 but also set the stage for their playoff journey, where they will host the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round next weekend [https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/05/drake-mayes-mvp-caliber-plays-leads-patriots-into-playoffs, https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-patriots-score-0b51fb50ec28bc86aa29c9eabdba7724]. ### Breakdown of the Patriots' Season and Playoff Outlook 1. **Season Overview** - The Patriots finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, their best since winning the Super Bowl in 2016. - They clinched the AFC East title and secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, setting up a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers [https://www.patsfans.com/patriots/blog/2026/01/05/patriots-secure-two-seed-will-face-chargers-next-sunday]. 2. **Key Players** - **Drake Maye**: In his second season, Maye has emerged as an MVP contender, leading the team with impressive performances, including a pivotal role in the victory over Miami [https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/05/drake-mayes-mvp-caliber-plays-leads-patriots-into-playoffs]. - **Rhamondre Stevenson**: Stevenson scored three touchdowns in the final game, contributing significantly to the team's offensive success [https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-patriots-score-0b51fb50ec28bc86aa29c9eabdba7724]. 3. **Game Highlights** - The Patriots dominated the Dolphins with a strong running game, scoring five rushing touchdowns. - Stevenson rushed for 131 yards on just seven carries, showcasing the team's effective ground attack [https://www.local10.com/sports/2026/01/04/patriots-power-past-dolphins-38-10-behind-5-rushing-tds]. 4. **Playoff Implications** - The Patriots will host the Chargers in the wild-card round, aiming to build on their successful regular season and make a deep playoff run [https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/patriots-next-game-chargers-nfl-playoff-picture/3871800]. ### Summary of the Patriots' Season and Future Prospects The New England Patriots have successfully turned their season around, finishing with a strong 14-3 record and earning a playoff berth as the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Key contributions from players like Drake Maye and Rhamondre Stevenson have been instrumental in this success. 1. **Strong Finish**: The Patriots capped their regular season with a commanding 38-10 victory over the Dolphins, marking a significant achievement in their quest for playoff success. 2. **Key Players**: Maye's MVP-caliber performances and Stevenson's explosive play have positioned the team as a formidable contender in the playoffs. 3. **Next Steps**: With a playoff matchup against the Chargers on the horizon, the Patriots are poised to leverage their momentum and aim for a deep postseason run. In conclusion, the Patriots' combination of strong leadership, effective gameplay, and a solid record sets them up as a team to watch in the upcoming playoffs [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/patriots-lead-dolphins-17-10-at-halftime].