By R.L. Bynum
The final week of the regular season meant MVP candidate Drake Maye didn’t play the entire game, and reserves around the league got plenty of playing time. Taking advantage of the latter were Mitch Trubisky, British Brooks and Alijah Huzzie.
The biggest day of that group, though, was Trubisky.
After Josh Allen started and played one snap, Trubisky took over for the Buffalo Bills and had a big day in their 35–8 home win over the New York Jets. He was 22 of 29 for 259 yards and four touchdowns, including a two-point conversion completion and five rushing yards.
“It was the final regular‑season game at Highmark Stadium, and the atmosphere was special,” Trubisky said after throwing TD passes to Dawson Knox (17 yards), Ray Davis (2 yards), Gabe Davis (2 yards) and Ty Johnson (6 yards). He had only played in three games before this weekend and only threw six passes.
In Houston’s 38–30 win over Indianapolis, Brooks, who had only four carries on the season before Sunday, ran 13 times for 63 yards, including a 20-yard gain, playing 35 total snaps. Huzzie had three tackles and snagged his first career interception, playing 36 total snaps.
Maye made more history even though he played only 45 snaps, going 14 of 18 for 191 yards and a touchdown before watching the end of New England’s 38–10 home win over the Miami Dolphins.
The win capped a stunning turnaround for the Patriots, who went from four wins last season to 14 this year and the AFC East title. In the wild-card round, New England will host former UNC teammate Omarion Hampton — one of the players who sat out Sunday games — and the Los Angeles Chargers at 8 p.m. Sunday (NBC).
“We’ve come a long way,” said Maye, whose 72% completion percentage is the sixth-highest in NFL history. “It takes everybody — took everybody in the locker room, every coach. That’s what we wanted. One of the goals was to host home playoff games, and this is what we wanted. It’s win or go home now, and the mentality changes from that standpoint.”
Maye’s lone touchdown pass came in the second quarter, a 15-yard strike to Rhamondre Stevenson, part of a stretch where the Patriots shook off a brief stumble and scored 24 straight points to put the game away.
“I think just staying true to us,” Maye said of the response after Miami cut the lead to 14–10. “I’ve got to find a way to get the ball in people’s hands to make some plays.”
The rookie’s efficiency was emblematic of a season that has him in the thick of the MVP conversation. When asked what accomplishment stands out most, Maye didn’t cite stats.
“Fourteen wins and probably 8–0 on the road,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest thing I’m most proud of.”
He also praised the team’s balance and chemistry.
“We get a lot of people involved,” Maye said. “A lot of people catch passes, a lot of people score touchdowns. That’s one of the toughest things about defending us.”
As with every week, Maye made more history.
Maye recorded his 13th game with a 100-plus rating (129.4), surpassing Tom Brady (12 games) for the most in a season in franchise history. He has also tied Patrick Mahomes for the most such games by a player under the age of 24 in a single season all-time.
In addition to Tar Heels in the Patriots-Chargers matchup in the wild-card round, Dyami Brown’s Jacksonville Jaguars host Trubisky’s Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. Sunday (CBS), and Houston, with Brooks and Huzzie, plays on the road against Pittsburgh (with Cole Holcomb) at 8 p.m. Monday (ABC, ESPN).
In Baltimore’s 26–24 loss Sunday night at Pittsburgh, Tez Walker had two catches on two targets, includingd a 38-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. His third touchdown reception of the season and fourth of his career came after only catching four passes all season before Sunday.
Elsewhere on Week 18:
— Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Down caught all four passes targeted to him for 61 yards and returned a punt 13 yards.
— Arizona running back Michael Carter, in his fifth start, ran seven times for 18 yards and caught three passes for 21 yards.
— Jacksonville wide receiver Dyami Brown caught the only pass targeted to him for eight yards in eight offensive snaps.
— Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb played off the bench with no statistics.
— Tampa Bay offensive lineman Charlie Heck played five of his seven snaps on special teams, reporting tackle-eligible twice.
— New Orleans offensive lineman Asim Richards reported tackle-eligible twice, playing 56 offensive snaps and four special-teams snaps.
— Dallas running back Javonte Williams didn’t play.
—Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes didn’t play (ankle injury).
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
Season statistics —13 games, 17 carries, 787 yards (20 longest); 5 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Week 18: Texans 38, Colts 30 — 13 carries, 63 yards (4.8 average, 20 longest); 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 18 offensive snaps (26%), 17 special-teams snaps (47%)
Wild-card round — 8 p.m. Monday at Pittsburgh, ABC, ESPN
Dyami Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–0, 195 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver
Season statistics — 17 games, 7 starts, 23 catches, 220 yards (39 longest), 9.9 average, 1 TD, 1 fumble (lost); 5 carries, 26 yards (9 longest); 4 kickoff returns, 106 yards (31 longest)
Week 18: Jaguars 41, Titans 7 — Didn’t start; 1 catch on 1 target, 8 yards; 8 offensive snaps (13%)
Wild-card round — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Buffalo, CBS
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 26 | 5–8, 201 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 14 games, 5 starts, 92 carries, 331 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 33 catches on 39 targets, 267 yards (18 longest); 1 kickoff return, 27 yards; 1 tackle
Week 18: Rams 37, Cardinals 20 — Started; 7 carries, 18 yards (2.6 average, 5 longest); 3 catches on 3 targets, 21 yards (7.0 average, 11 longest); 29 offensive snaps (53%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Arizona finished fourth in the NFC West at 3–13.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 27 | 5–11, 204 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Second-string kickoff returner; third-string running back
Season statistics — 3 games, 17 carries, 47 yards (5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 1 assist on punt coverage
Week 18: Vikings 16, Packers 3 — 10 carries, 23 yards (2.3 average; 5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 29 offensive snaps (43%), 6 special-teams snaps (26%)
Minnesota finished third in the NFC North at 9–8.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 23 | 5–9, 171 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 16 games, 11 starts, 58 catches, 566 yards (34 longest), 4 touchdowns; 2 rush, -2 yards; 7 punt returns, 68 yards; 2 tackles
Week 18: Texans 38, Colts 30 — Started; 1 carry, -5 yards; 4 catches on 4 targets, 61 yards (15.3 average, 30 longest); 1 punt return, 13 yards; 41 offensive snaps (63%), 3 special-teams snaps (8%)
Indianapolis finished third in the AFC South at 8–9.
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 22 | 6–2, 234 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting left inside linebacker
Season statistics — 16 games, 15 starts, 94 tackles, 65 assists, 7 tackles for losses, 1 sack for 7 yards, 3 passes defended, 2 quarterback pressures, 1 quarterback hit, 2 special-teams tackles, 2 fumble recoveries
Week 18: Jaguars 41, Titans 7 — Started; 3 tackles, 5 assists; 59 defensive snaps (97%)
Tennessee finished fourth in the AFC South at 3–14.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 22 | 6–0, 220 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starter
Season statistics — 9 games, 6 starts, 124 carries, 545 yards (54 longest), 4.4 average, 4 touchdowns; 32 catches, 192 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 1 fumble recovery
Week 18: Broncos 19, Chargers 3 — Not active
Wild-card round — 8 p.m. Sunday at New England Patriots, NBC
Charlie Heck, Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman
Age 28 | 6–8, 311 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Backup right tackle behind Luke Goedeke
Season statistics — 18 games, 1 tackle; 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Week 18: Bucs 16, Panthers 14 — 2 offensive snaps (3%), 5 special-teams snaps (23%)
Tampa Bay finished tied for first in the NFC South at 8–9 but didn’t make the playoffs.
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–1, 240 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 12 games, 3 starts, 19 tackles, 11 assists, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
Week 18: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 — Played off the bench
Wild-card weekend — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Houston, ABC, ESPN
Sam Howell, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Third-string quarterback
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); didn’t play in regular his season — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Week 18: Commanders 24, Eagles 17 — Didn’t play
Wild-card round — 4:30 Sunday vs. San Francisco 49ers, Fox
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 28 | 5–10, 191 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
Season statistics — 11 games, 11 starts, 32 tackles, 9 assists, 4 passes defended, 2 tackles for losses; 1 interception
Week 18: Falcons 19, Saints 17 — Didn’t play (ankle injury)
Atlanta finished tie for first in the NFC South at 8–9 but didn’t make the playoffs.
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans cornerback
Age 24 | 5–10, 195 | rookie season | UNC 2023–24
Season statistics — 3 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception (0 return yards), 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Week 18: Texans 38, Colts 30 — 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception (0 return yards), 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 22 defensive snaps (34%), 14 special-teams snaps(39%)
Wild-card round — 8 p.m. Sunday at Pittsburgh, ABC, ESPN
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 22 | 6–4, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —-Starting QB ahead of Joshua Dobbs
Season statistics — 17 games, 17 starts, 354 of 492, 4,494 (72 longest), 71.9%, 31 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 47 sacks (201 yards in losses), 113.5 rating; 103 carries, 450 yards (28 longest), 4 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion run; 3 fumbles (2 lost, 1 recovered)
Week 18: Patriots 38, Dolphins 10 — Started; 14 of 18, 191 yards (35 longest), 1 touchdown (15-yard pass to Rhamondre Stevenson), 0 interceptions, 129.5 passer rating; 5 carries, 41 yards (8.2 average, 14 longest), 0 interceptions; 45 snaps (76%)
Wild-card round — 8 p.m. Sunday vs. Los Angeles Chargers, NBC
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 307 | third NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 15 games, 4 starts, 359 offensive snaps, 53 special-teams snaps
Week 18: Falcons 19, Saints 17 — Rreported tackle-eligible twice; 56 offensive snaps (82%), 4 special-teams snaps (14%)
New Orleans finished fourth in the NFC South at 6–11.
Mitch Trubisky, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Josh Allen
Season statistics — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yard (9 longest)
Week 18: Bills 35, Jets 8 — 22 of 29, 259 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns (17-yard pass to Dawson Knox, 6:43 left, 1st quarter; 2-yard pass to Ray Davis, 2:53 left, 2nd quarter; 2-yard pass to Gabe Davis, 7:46 left, 3rd quarter; 6-yard pass to Ty Johnson, 2:55 left, 4th quarter), 0 interceptions, 2-point conversion completion, 142.1 passer rating; 5 carries, 5 yards (9 longest); played all but the first play at QB; 74 offensive snaps (99%)
Wild-card round — 1 p.m. Sunday at Jacksonville, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–1, 198 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Third-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 11 games, 2 starts, 6 catches, 136 yards (38 longest), 3 touchdowns; 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 QB hit, 2 special-teams assists
Week 18: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 — 2 catches on 2 targets, 46 yards (38 longest), 1 touchdown
Baltimore finished second in the AFC North at 8–9.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 25 | 5–10, 220 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Miles Sanders
Season statistics — 16 games, 16 starts, 252 carries, 1,201 yards (4.8 average; 66 longest), 11 touchdowns; 35 catches, 137 yards (3.9 average; 14 longest), 2 touchdowns
Week 18: Giants 34, Cowboys 17 — Didn’t play
Dallas finished second in the NFC East at 7–9.
Finished season on IR
Miami Dolphins defensive back Storm Duck, knee injury (season statistics: 2 games, 1 start, 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 pass defended)
Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart, quadriceps injury (season statistics: 9 games, 4 starts, 10 tackles, 8 assists, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 2 special-teams assists)
On injured reserve
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, knee injury
New York Giants offensive lineman Joshua Ezudu (IR with designation to return), undisclosed injury
New England wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen injury)
Philadelphia Eagles center Willie Lampkin, leg injury (Rams released him in camp)
Seattle linebacker Chazz Surratt (ankle injury)
On practice squads
Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker
New England linebacker Amari Gainer
Minnesota tight end Bryson Nesbit
Waived from practice squads
Linebacker Power Echols by Chicago
Linebacker Tomon Fox by the New York Giants
Defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie by New England
Released during training camp
Linebacker Eugene Asanti by Miami
Tight end John Copenhaver by Jacksonville
Linebacker Desmond Evans by Tennessee
Wide receiver Nate McCollum by Arizona
Defensive back Kyler McMichael by Pittsburgh
Photo via @BuffaloBills
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