New England Patriots, Drake Maye, NFL
New England Patriots' Tough 2026 Season Puts Drake Maye on Fantasy Football Expert's 'Do Not Draft' List 1
New England Patriots star Drake Maye exceeded expectations during the 2025 season, but one fantasy football analyst believes repeating that success could prove far more difficult in 2026. Despite emerging as one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks, Maye has landed on a notable do-not-draft list because of the challenging schedule awaiting the Patriots this season.
Maye enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, establishing himself as one of fantasy football’s elite quarterbacks. The 23-year-old finished with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdown passes, 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, trailing only Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen in total fantasy points among quarterbacks. His combination of production through the air and on the ground made him one of the league’s most valuable fantasy assets and fueled optimism that he could remain among the position’s elite.
New England Patriots, Drake MayeNew England Patriots, Drake Maye
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The concern entering the new season, however, has little to do with Maye’s talent or long-term outlook. Instead, analysts point to New England’s significantly tougher schedule, which features multiple matchups against defenses expected to rank among the NFL’s best. Unlike last season, when the Patriots avoided facing a top-10 defense during the regular season, Maye is expected to encounter a far more demanding slate that could naturally reduce his statistical output.
That projection has led some fantasy experts to recommend passing on Maye at his current draft value. The argument centers on the belief that managers may be paying for last year’s ceiling rather than this year’s likely production. While Maye is still expected to deliver another productive campaign, matching or exceeding his previous fantasy total will become considerably more difficult against stronger defensive competition throughout the schedule.
New England Patriots’ Drake Maye Receives ‘Do Not Draft’ Label From Fantasy Football Expert
New England Patriots, Drake Maye, ESPN, NFLNew England Patriots, Drake Maye, ESPN, NFL
Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Maye received a Fantasy Football assessment ahead of the upcoming NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Eric Karabell for ESPN.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots launched himself into stardom with 4,394 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Only Allen scored more fantasy points among QBs. Maye is 23. What about him could possibly scare us? Check New England’s schedule. Maye didn’t face a top-10 defense during the regular season. He will face a bunch of them this season. Expect production, but a repeat of 350 fantasy points? I’m fading top QBs anyway, and this great one stands out — but perhaps only for this season.
The recommendation also reflects a broader draft philosophy that prioritizes positional value over selecting quarterbacks early. With several capable starters expected to produce strong fantasy numbers later in drafts, some managers prefer to invest premium selections in running backs and wide receivers before addressing the quarterback position. That strategy has caused even established stars such as Maye to become candidates for the fade list despite their proven ability.
Maye remains one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks and should continue to be a cornerstone of New England’s future. However, fantasy football success often depends as much on value as talent, and the Patriots’ demanding schedule has prompted some analysts to advise caution before investing an early draft pick in the emerging franchise quarterback.