The New England Patriots clinched a playoff berth with a thrilling 28-24 comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2025. Quarterback Drake Maye delivered a standout performance, solidifying his status as an MVP contender despite two turnovers. This win marks the Patriots’ first playoff appearance since 2021, showcasing their resilience following a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills a week earlier.
Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. His impressive performance included a pivotal touchdown pass to wide receiver Kyle Williams, narrowing the score to 28-24 with just over nine minutes left in the game. The second-year quarterback’s achievement of his first career 300-yard passing game was a significant milestone for his development.
On the following drive, running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored the game-winning touchdown with a 21-yard run. The victory was further secured by linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, whose forced fumble capped off New England’s largest fourth-quarter comeback since their memorable Super Bowl LI victory against the Atlanta Falcons.
In contrast, the Ravens faced a challenging night as quarterback Lamar Jackson exited the game with a back injury just before halftime. This loss further jeopardizes Baltimore’s playoff hopes, which now stand at just 11%, according to NFL.com’s playoff probability metrics. Jackson’s injury woes have been a recurring theme this season, as he has been listed on the injury report in 11 of the 16 weeks.
Despite an improved defensive performance that included four sacks and two forced turnovers, the Ravens struggled to maintain momentum. Running back Derrick Henry had a strong outing with 128 yards and two touchdowns, but a crucial fumble late in the first quarter set the tone for Baltimore’s difficulties. Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins caused the turnover, highlighting the Ravens’ ongoing issues with ball control, as they entered the game with the ninth-most turnovers this season.
The first half ended in a 10-10 tie, but not without its share of missed opportunities for Baltimore. A bizarre sequence involving tight end Mark Andrews attempting a pitch resulted in offsetting penalties, which further stalled their offensive efforts.
As the playoffs approach, the Ravens must navigate the fallout from this defeat and assess Jackson’s condition, while the Patriots celebrate their hard-fought victory and renewed playoff aspirations. The contrasting fortunes of these two teams illustrate the high stakes and unpredictability of the NFL as the season draws to a close.