Drake Maye vs Mac Jones: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Drake Maye put up 21.1 fantasy points per game for the New England Patriots in 2025, while Mac Jones managed 12.4 across 11 games with the San Francisco 49ers. A 8.7-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
The per-game difference of 8.7 points favors Drake Maye, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one quarterback to the other.
Drake Maye offers meaningful rushing upside with 450 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like Mac Jones (2151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Drake Maye sits Week 14 while Mac Jones is off Week 9. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
