If you’re refreshing your feed to find out is drake maye playing today, the short answer is a loud, resounding yes. This isn't just another Sunday in Foxboro. It’s the AFC Divisional Round, and the New England Patriots are set to host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM EST on this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Drake Maye isn't just "active"—he’s the engine of a team that has pulled off one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in the history of the NFL. Going from a 4-13 nightmare in 2024 to a 14-3 powerhouse this year is the kind of stuff they make documentaries about. Honestly, if you told a Pats fan a year ago they’d be hosting a playoff game with a legit MVP candidate under center, they would’ve asked what you were drinking.
But here we are.
The Status of Drake Maye for Today's Game
Basically, there’s no drama on the injury report regarding the quarterback. Unlike some late-season scares with his hand earlier in the month, Maye enters this matchup with a clean bill of health. He was a full participant in practice all week. He even told reporters on Wednesday that the team needs to be "firing on all cylinders" to handle a Houston defense that has been surprisingly stingy lately.
It’s actually a bit of a full-circle moment. Maye made his first-ever NFL start against these same Texans about fifteen months ago. Back then, he was a rookie trying to keep his head above water. Now? He’s the guy who threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns in a season where he barely looked like a second-year player.
The Patriots’ depth chart behind him looks like this:
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- Starter: Drake Maye
- Backup: Joshua Dobbs
- Reserve: Tommy DeVito
Seeing Dobbs in the QB2 spot is a nice insurance policy, but make no mistake—this is Maye's team. The atmosphere at Gillette is going to be electric, mostly because the kid has given this franchise its soul back.
Why Today’s Matchup With the Texans Matters
You’ve gotta look at the stats to see why this isn't a "gimme" game. Houston’s defense is ranked near the top of the league. They’ve seen Maye before, but they haven't seen this version of him. Last week, the Patriots dismantled the Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card round. It wasn't a shootout, but it showed that New England can win ugly if they have to.
Maye was efficient in that win, throwing for 268 yards and a touchdown while adding 66 yards on the ground. His ability to scramble is what really breaks defensive coordinators’ hearts. When a play breaks down, he doesn't just throw it away; he finds ten yards and a first down.
There were some concerns about the offensive line earlier in the week, but Morgan Moses and the rest of the big guys up front are good to go. They’ll need to be. Houston’s pass rush is relentless, and Maye has taken 47 sacks this season. That’s a high number. It suggests that while the line is better (PFF ranks them 6th), Maye still holds onto the ball a fraction too long looking for the home run play.
The Weapons Around Him
Having Stefon Diggs out there has changed everything. Diggs, who joined New England after a short stint in Houston, led the team with over 1,000 receiving yards this year. You can bet he’s got a little extra motivation playing against his former squad today.
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Then you’ve got Hunter Henry, who was limited early in the week with a knee issue but practiced fully by Friday. He’s Maye’s safety valve. When the pressure gets hot, Maye looks for #85. It’s a chemistry that has developed rapidly over the last four months.
Breaking Down the "Is Drake Maye Playing Today" Noise
Sometimes the internet gets weird with rumors. You might see "questionable" tags floating around from old reports or people confusing him with other players. Ignore it. The official NFL injury report released on Friday afternoon did not even list Maye with a status, which means he is 100% available.
The real question isn't whether he’s playing, but how Mike Vrabel uses him. This season’s success has been built on a balanced attack. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson provide a ground game that keeps defenses honest. If the Texans stack the box to stop Stevenson, Maye is going to pick them apart with play-action. He’s currently operating at a 72% completion rate, which is just absurd for a guy in his second year.
What Most People Get Wrong About Maye
A lot of analysts still talk about him like he’s just a "big-armed kid." That’s lazy. What really stands out if you watch the tape is his processing speed. In the game against Baltimore back in December, he was checking out of plays at the line like a 10-year vet. He’s not just reacting; he’s dictating.
Also, his "danger play" rate—the metric that tracks how often a QB throws a ball that should be intercepted—is one of the lowest in the league (0.8%). He’s aggressive but not stupid. That’s a rare combo.
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Essential Game Day Info
If you’re heading to the game or watching from home, here’s the quick rundown:
- Channel: The game is being broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
- Weather: It’s January in Massachusetts. Expect it to be cold, but as of right now, there’s no major snow in the forecast that would ground the passing game.
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub for the local call.
The Patriots enter as favorites, but playoff football is unpredictable. The Texans are young and hungry, led by C.J. Stroud, who is looking to prove he’s still the top dog among the league’s young passers. It’s a massive test for Maye.
Actionable Steps for Fans Today
Since you're looking for whether is drake maye playing today, you're likely either setting a fantasy lineup (for playoff challenges) or getting ready to watch the game.
- Monitor the Inactives: Official inactives are released 90 minutes before kickoff (around 1:30 PM EST). While Maye is a lock, keep an eye on RB Terrell Jennings and LB Harold Landry III, who are both listed as questionable. Their presence impacts the game flow significantly.
- Watch the Warmups: If you have access to the pre-game show on ESPN, watch Maye's movement. He had a slight hand injury a few weeks back, so seeing him zip the ball in warmups will tell you everything you need to know about his grip strength in the cold.
- Verify Your Stream: If you’re using a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV, make sure your local ABC/ESPN affiliate is working properly before 3:00 PM. Playoff traffic can sometimes cause lag on those platforms.
Maye has the chance today to lead the Patriots back to the AFC Championship game for the first time in years. Everything is on the line. The kid from North Carolina has become the King of Foxboro, and today is his biggest coronation yet.
Watch the clock, get your snacks ready, and settle in. The Drake Maye era is officially in full swing.
Next Steps for You: Check the final inactive list at 1:30 PM EST to see if linebacker Harold Landry III is cleared to play, as his pass-rushing presence will be vital for the Patriots' defense to support Maye's offensive efforts.