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).
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 26 | 6–0, 195 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string right wide receiver
Season statistics — 5 games, 2 starts, 8 catches, 88 yards (48 longest); 47.5 offensive rating, 50.3 pass game rating, 37.1 run-blocking rating
Week 5 — Commanders 27, Giants 27, OT (home) | didn’t start: 1 catch on 2 targets, 2 yards, 1 fumble (recovered); 1.2 fantasy points; 23 offensive snaps (37%), 37.2 offensive grade, 37.5 pass-game grade, 62.8 run-block grade
Week 6 — 8:15 Monday at San Francisco, ESPN
Week 7 — Open date
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Age 27 | 5–8, 201 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string running back
Season statistics — Elevated from practice squad for Week 4, but didn’t didn’t play
Week 5 — Texans 26, Titans 3 (home) | inactive for the game
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Indianapolis, Fox
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 25 | 5–9, 171 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 5 games, 3 starts, 20 catches, 249 yards (42 longest); 75.4 offensive grade, 75.3 pass-game grade, 65.9 run-block grade
Week 5 — Steelers 34, Colts 22 (road) | started: 3 catches on 6 targets, 47 yards (42 longest); 1.2 fantasy points; 60 offensive snaps (100%); 63.9 offensive grade, 61.8 pass game grade; season-high 79.4 run-block grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Tennessee, Fox
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Minnesota, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, Kansas City Chiefs tackle/guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 310 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Second-string left guard
Season statistics — 4 offensive snaps and 6 special-teams snaps
Week 5 — Open date
Week 6 — 4:25 Sunday vs. Los Angeles Chargers, CBS
Week 7 — 8:30 Sunday at Seattle, NBC
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 23 | 6–2, 235 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 4 games, 2 starts, 11 tackles, 11 assists, ½ sack; 71.1 defensive grade, 78.0 run grade, 57.9 pass-rush grade, 61.3 pass coverage grade
Week 5 — Texans 26, Titans 3 (home) | didn’t start: 2 tackles, 4 assists, ½ sack; 5.0 fantasy points; 28 defensive snaps (42%), 12 special-teams saps (55%); season-high 75.6 defensive grade, 73.9 run grade, 79.0 tackle grade, season-high 63.4 pass-rush grade, season-high 65.7 pass coverage grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Indianapolis, Fox
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 23 | 6–0, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 5 games, 4 starts, 73 carries, 271 yards, 3.7 average, 3 touchdowns; 5 catches, 35 yards (18 longest); 2 fumbles (2 lost); 63.9 offensive grade, 66.1 pass game grade, 76.7 pass-block grade, 61.6 run grade
Week 5 — Broncos 23, Chargers 17 (home) | started: 14 carries, 33 yards (11 longest); 1 catch on 1 target, 6 yards; 4.9 fantasy points; 20 offensive snaps (30%); season-high 68.0 offensive grade, season-high 88.9 pass grade, 74.4 pass-block grade, 62.9 run grade
Week 6 — 4:25 Sunday at Kansas City, CBS
Week 7 — Open date
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 29 | 6–1, 240 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 5 games, 4 tackles (all solo), 3 assists; 58.5 defensive grade, 54.9 run grade, 30.9 tackle grade, 56.0 pass-rush grade, 66.0 coverage grade
Week 5 — Steelers 34, Colts 22 (home) | 1 tackle on kickoff coverage; 8 defensive snaps (11%), 18 special-teams snaps (60%); 64.0 defensive grade, 60.0 run grade, 69.0 pass-rush grade, 61.7 pass coverage grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, CBS
Week 7 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. New Orleans in Saint-Denis, France, NFL Network
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Backup quarterback
2024 season statistics with Seattle (didn’t play last season; hasn’t played this season); didn’t play in 2025 when with Philadelphia — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Week 5 — Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16 (Thursday at home) | didn’t play
Week 6 — 8:20 Sunday at Green Bay, NBC
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday at Philadelphia, ESPN
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting cornerback
Season statistics — 3 games, 11 tackles, 4 assists, 2 passes defended; 45.7 defensive grade, 87.4 run grade, 67.5 tackle grade, 39.3 coverage grade
Week 5 — Ravens 30, Falcons 23 (home) | started: 3 tackles, 3 assists; 69 defensive snaps (91%), 2 special-teams snaps (7%); 45.7 defensive grade, season-high 83.9 run grade, 56.7 tackle grade, season-low 33.0 coverage grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Chicago, Fox
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. San Francisco, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback
Age 25 | 5–10, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Reserve
Season statistics — Was on Houston Texans’ practice squad before Jags signed him Monday
Week 5 — Jaguars 19, Eagles 17 (in London) | Inactive for game
Week 6 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. Houston in London, NFL Network
Week 7 — Open date
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles guard/center
Age 24 | 5–11, 290 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Second-string left guard
Season statistics — 5 games, 1 start; 64 offensive snaps, 19 special-teams snaps; 44.6 offensive grade, 33.3 pass-blocking grade, 49.1 run-blocking grade
Week 5 — Jaguars 19, Eagles 17 (in London) | started at left guard: key block on Will Shipley touchdown run; 62 offensive snaps (100%); 44.6 offensive grade, 33.3 pass-blocking grade, 49.4 run-blocking grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Carolina, CBS
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday vs. Dallas, ESPN
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —Starting quarterback
Season statistics — 5 games, 5 starts, 99 of 151, 1,228 yards, 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 11 sacks (48 yards in losses), 89.0 passer rating; 30 carries, 161 yards, 5.4 average; 5 fumbles (2 lost); 70.0 offensive grade, 66.2 pass grade, 65.4 run grade
Week 5 — Patriots 45, Raiders 17 (home) | started: 26 of 34, 374 yards (49 longest), 4 touchdowns (35-yard TD pass to DeMario Douglas, 11:23 left in first quarter; 11-yard pass to Hunter Henry, 24 seconds left in first half; 34-yard TD pass to Kyle Williams, 12:58 left in third quarter; 8-yard pass to Douglas, 6:06 left in fourth quarter), 1 sack (3-yard loss), 150.9 passer rating; 7 rushes, 25 yards (10 longest), 1 touchdown (3-yard run, 3:10 left, third quarter); 75 offensive snaps (100%); season-high 92.7 offensive grade, season-high 92.2 pass-game grade, 65.4 run grade; 39.46 fantasy points
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. New York Jets, CBS
Week 7 — 8:15 Thursday at Chicago, Prime Video
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 25 | 6–4, 307 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 5 games, 190 offensive snaps, 16 special-teams snaps; 47.8 offensive grade, 46.0 pass-blocking grade, 49.4 run-blocking grade
Week 5 — Vikings 23, Saints 13 | started; 42 offensive snaps (93%), 2 special-teams snaps (9%); 58.8 offensive grade, season-high 57.3 pass-block grade, 57.2 run-block grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at New York Giants, Fox
Week 7 — 9:30 a.m. Sunday vs. Pittsburgh in Saint-Denis, France, NFL Network
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks linebacker
Age 29 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string weakside linebacker
Season statistics — 3 games, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist; 52.6 special-teams grade
Week 5 — 49ers 32, Seahawks 29 (home) | not active for game (calf injury)
Week 6 — 8:15 Thursday at Denver, Prime Video
Week 7 — 8:20 Sunday vs. Kansas City, NBC
Mitch Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Cam Ward
2025 statistics with Buffalo (hasn’t played this season) — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yards (9 longest)
Week 5 — Texans 26, Titans 3 (home) | didn’t play
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Indianapolis, Fox
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 4 games, 1 start, 24 catches, 75 yards (47 longest), 1 touchdown; 58.0 offensive grade, 60.6 pass game grade, 57.6 run-blocking grade
Week 5 — Ravens 30, Falcons 23 (road) | started: 2 catches on 2 targets, 9 yards 7 longest), 1 touchdown (7-yard reception, 40 seconds left in regulation); 45 offensive snaps (59%); 60.7 offensive grade, 60.6 pass-game grade, 57.6 run-block grade
Week 6 — 1 p.m. Sunday at Cleveland, Fox
Week 7 — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cincinnati, CBS
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 5 games, 5 starts, 74 carries, 276 yards (3.7 average), 6 touchdowns; 17 catches, 94 yards (17 longest), 5.5 average, 1 touchdown; 1 fumble (recovered); 69.5 offensive rating, 84.0 pass game rating, 60.1 pass-block rating, 63.2 run rating
Week 5 — Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16 (Thursday at home) | started: 12 carries, 45 yards (21 longest), 1 touchdown (1-yard run, 10:51 left in the first quarter); 2 catches on 3 targets, 17 yards (9 longest); 51 offensive snaps (85%); 14.2 fantasy points; 63.8 offensive grade, 67.8 pass-game grade, 52.8 pass-block grade, 63.2 run-game grade
Week 6 — 8:20 Sunday at Green Bay, NBC
Week 7 — 8:15 Sunday at Philadelphia, ESPN
On season-ending injured reserve
— New Orleans running back Ty Chandler; suffered a knee injury in the second preseason game; ran for 45 yards in two preseason games
On injured reserve
— Houston running back British Brooks (hamstring injury)
— New York Giants rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (torn Achilles)
— New England wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf injury)
On PUP list
— Houston safety M.J. Stewart (torn quad), who didn’t play during the preseason; estimated return Oct. 11
On practice squads
— Los Angeles Rams center Austin Blaske; played every offensive snap of all three preseason games
— Minnesota defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie; had four tackles and three assists in 77 total preseason snaps
— Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker; had 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack (6 yards), 2 tackles for losses and 1 quarterback hit in their 41–3 preseason win Friday
Waived
— Cornerback Marcus Allen (with injury settlement) by Minnesota; had 2 tackles, 1 assist in 45 preseason snaps
— Linebacker Power Echols by Seattle
— Linebacker Tomon Fox by Los Angeles Rams; had 28 tackles and 13 special-teams tackles in two preseason games
— Linebacker Amari Gainer by New England; had 4 tackles and two assists in three preseason games
— Offensive lineman Charlie Heck by the Miami Dolphins
— Defensive end Smith Vilbert by Minnesota; had one tackle in 47 preseason snaps
Waived with injury designation
— Tight end Bryson Nesbit by Minnesota after collecting 3 catches for 29 yards in two preseason games; had been listed as fifth string
Photo via @BuffaloBills
