Predicting When Drake Maye Takes Over as Patriots Starting QB

The long wait is over. The New England Patriots finally have their starting QB for Week 1. Yet, that doesn't mean the anticipation is over. Now, every Pats fan is eagerly waiting for Drake Maye's debut.

Much to the frustration of the Patriots fanbase, head coach Jerod Mayo announced that Jacoby Brissett will be the starter for the time being. That hasn't closed the door on the No. 3 overall pick becoming the QB1 at some point in the season. It is a question of when not if Maye takes the reins in Foxborough.

But when will that be? Taking a look at the Patriots' schedule, let's try to predict.

First, it's important to note that Maye will realistically play some spot snaps when the game gets out of hand. How he looks in the mop-up duties could potentially accelerate or decelerate the process of him becoming the starter.

At the minimum, however, it will not be until October. The Patriots play the Bengals, Seahawks, Jets, and the 49ers in the first four weeks of the season. Putting him out there on the road in New York and San Francisco seems suboptimal.

The October 6 matchup at home against the Miami Dolphins might be the first realistic target. This will depend on the Patriots' record at that point. If they are 0-4, the fans will likely have lost patience and will be clamoring to see a change. It's a more winnable game against a division rival that Mayo is more familiar with.

If the Patriots perform better with Brissett under center in the first month of the season, it will likely push Maye's start date back. Week 6 against the Houston Texans at home, Week 8 vs. the Jets, or Week 11 vs. the Los Angeles Rams are other decent options.

The Patriots have a bye week in Week 14. That makes it difficult for them to wait until after the bye week to start him, as it only gives Maye four weeks, and it would likely be under blistering conditions at Buffalo and home.

Considering how the Patriots are the biggest underdogs in the entire NFL this season, with their over/under in total wins set at 4.5 on FanDuel Sportsbook, Maye taking over will probably be quicker than anticipated. The pressure from fans will likely be too much. Therefore, a Week 6 start at Gillette Stadium against Houston might be the likeliest scenario.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.