Drake Maye and the Patriots are heading to the AFC Championship Game!

ONE. WIN. AWAY!

Battling against brutal weather in New England, the Patriots, led by former UNC football star Drake Maye, defeated the Houston Texans to clinch a spot in the AFC Championship Game next weekend in Denver.

The weather played a big factor for both quarterbacks in this game, as turnovers were a common trend throughout. CJ Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half alone, while Maye fumbled four times (losing two) to go along with an interception.

However, the difference was Maye made the throws when he needed to, leading his team to victory.

The play of the game happened with just over 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Leading by five, the Patriots needed to extend the lead to put the Texans away for good, and Maye (along with his wide receiver Kayshon Boutte) made the connection to get the job done.

Great throw, even better catch to seal the deal.

Maye will be the first one to tell you that he needs to protect the football better, but fortunately, his team picked him up when he needed it. That's what great teams do, they find a way to get it done, picking up their teammates in moments of struggles.

Now, the Patriots are heading to Denver.

Sean Payton and the Broncos stand in the way of Maye and the Patriots' aspirations of returning to the Super Bowl, as Denver will be without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a fractured bone in his ankle that will require season-ending surgery. Nonetheless, this Broncos team isn't here because of one player, so it should still be expected that a full-out battle will occur at Empower Field at Mile High next weekend.

In just his second NFL season, not only has Maye led the rejuvenation of the Patriots franchise, but he is one game away from a Super Bowl berth. After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Patriots' future looks mighty bright with Maye leading the offense for the foreseeable future.