The New England Patriots are expected to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye in their season finale against the Buffalo Bills, with a potential impact on their draft position.

Why it matters: If the Patriots lose, they would secure the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft, potentially setting them up for a franchise-altering selection.

• The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the Patriots' future and their ability to rebuild and compete in the coming seasons.

What's new: Patriots coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that Maye will be the starting quarterback if he is healthy and ready to go, indicating the team's trust in the young player.

Why it matters: This decision highlights the Patriots' commitment to developing their young talent and evaluating their roster heading into the offseason.

• Starting Maye provides an opportunity for him to gain valuable game experience and showcase his abilities for the team's evaluation.

Yes, but: While the Patriots may want to win and finish the season strong, the Buffalo Bills have already secured their playoff spot and plan to rest their key players, including quarterback Josh Allen.

• The Patriots might face a less formidable opponent as the Bills prioritize resting their starters, potentially impacting the competitiveness of the game.

What to watch: Keep an eye on how Maye performs in his first NFL start and how the Patriots' coaching staff adjusts the game plan to maximize his strengths.

• This game could provide insights into Maye's potential as a future starter and his ability to handle pressure situations.

What's next: Regardless of the outcome, the Patriots will have important decisions to make in the upcoming offseason, including evaluating their quarterback situation and addressing areas of need through the draft and free agency.

• The performance of Maye in this game could influence the team's offseason plans and potential roster moves.

The bottom line: The Patriots decision to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye in their season finale against the Bills carries significant implications for their draft position and future plans.

• This game presents an opportunity for Maye to prove himself and for the Patriots to assess their quarterback situation moving forward.

The New England Patriots are expected to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye in their season finale against the Buffalo Bills, with a potential impact on their draft position.

Why it matters: If the Patriots lose, they would secure the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft, potentially setting them up for a franchise-altering selection.

• The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the Patriots' future and their ability to rebuild and compete in the coming seasons.

What's new: Patriots coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that Maye will be the starting quarterback if he is healthy and ready to go, indicating the team's trust in the young player.

Why it matters: This decision highlights the Patriots' commitment to developing their young talent and evaluating their roster heading into the offseason.

• Starting Maye provides an opportunity for him to gain valuable game experience and showcase his abilities for the team's evaluation.

Yes, but: While the Patriots may want to win and finish the season strong, the Buffalo Bills have already secured their playoff spot and plan to rest their key players, including quarterback Josh Allen.

• The Patriots might face a less formidable opponent as the Bills prioritize resting their starters, potentially impacting the competitiveness of the game.

What to watch: Keep an eye on how Maye performs in his first NFL start and how the Patriots' coaching staff adjusts the game plan to maximize his strengths.

• This game could provide insights into Maye's potential as a future starter and his ability to handle pressure situations.

What's next: Regardless of the outcome, the Patriots will have important decisions to make in the upcoming offseason, including evaluating their quarterback situation and addressing areas of need through the draft and free agency.

• The performance of Maye in this game could influence the team's offseason plans and potential roster moves.

The bottom line: The Patriots decision to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye in their season finale against the Bills carries significant implications for their draft position and future plans.

• This game presents an opportunity for Maye to prove himself and for the Patriots to assess their quarterback situation moving forward.