The New England Patriots secured a playoff spot with a 28-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, moving their season record to 12-3. The game featured several momentum shifts and was decided in the closing minutes.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye achieved his first career 300-yard passing game and led his team to two late touchdown drives after falling behind by 11 points. Maye also notched his first fourth-quarter comeback win, despite committing two turnovers earlier in the contest.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson left the game late in the second quarter due to a back injury. Backup Tyler Huntley finished the game for Baltimore, but running back Derrick Henry kept the Ravens competitive with 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Patriots’ defense made key plays throughout, including forcing turnovers at critical moments. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins forced a fumble from Derrick Henry that was recovered by Craig Woodson, helping set up New England’s first touchdown drive. Later in the fourth quarter, K’Lavon Chaisson forced Zay Flowers to fumble, which Marcus Jones recovered to help seal the win for New England.
Injuries affected both teams during the game. The Patriots lost starting right tackle Morgan Moses and running back TreVeyon Henderson during the second quarter; Moses briefly returned before being replaced again due to injury. Other players who did not return included Khyiris Tonga and Henderson. Captain Robert Spillane missed his second consecutive game with an ankle injury but may be available soon along with Milton Williams, who is eligible to return from Injured Reserve this week.
With this win, New England maintains pace with other AFC contenders as homefield advantage remains undecided. The Patriots can clinch the AFC East division title by winning either of their final two games against divisional rivals—the Jets next week at MetLife Stadium or against the Dolphins in Foxborough—or if other results go their way.
