Chad Graff
@chadgraff.bsky.social
Senior writer at The Athletic covering the Patriots. Adjunct professor at Northeastern. High-handicapped golfer, low-rated tennis player, seeker of a good old fashioned.
The Patriots have played in half of the AFC Championship Games this century.
Sunday will be their 13th appearance in the conference title game in the last 25 seasons.
Sunday will be their 13th appearance in the conference title game in the last 25 seasons.
January 20, 2026 at 4:40 PM
The Patriots have played in half of the AFC Championship Games this century.
Sunday will be their 13th appearance in the conference title game in the last 25 seasons.
Sunday will be their 13th appearance in the conference title game in the last 25 seasons.
An hour after the game, assistant coaches were taking photos in the snow. Drake Maye came out to throw passes to his brothers.
The Patriots are enjoying this magical run as it rolls on. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The Patriots are enjoying this magical run as it rolls on. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Drake Maye, Patriots enjoy another wild win as fairytale season rolls on
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:48 AM
An hour after the game, assistant coaches were taking photos in the snow. Drake Maye came out to throw passes to his brothers.
The Patriots are enjoying this magical run as it rolls on. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The Patriots are enjoying this magical run as it rolls on. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The Patriots have turned the ball over three times and are still comfortably winning the turnover battle.
What a weird game.
What a weird game.
January 18, 2026 at 10:17 PM
The Patriots have turned the ball over three times and are still comfortably winning the turnover battle.
What a weird game.
What a weird game.
The Houston Texans have 5 turnovers in 11 possessions.
January 18, 2026 at 10:16 PM
The Houston Texans have 5 turnovers in 11 possessions.
It just feels like both defenses are more likely to score a TD than the offenses at this point.
January 18, 2026 at 10:13 PM
It just feels like both defenses are more likely to score a TD than the offenses at this point.
Is it crazy to wonder if the Texans should go with Davis Mills in the second half?
CJ Stroud is just a mess right now.
CJ Stroud is just a mess right now.
January 18, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Is it crazy to wonder if the Texans should go with Davis Mills in the second half?
CJ Stroud is just a mess right now.
CJ Stroud is just a mess right now.
What a drive. Drake Maye came out swinging and threaded some really nice throws.
Even with some shaky moments, Maye is 9-of-14 passing for 109 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
Even with some shaky moments, Maye is 9-of-14 passing for 109 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
January 18, 2026 at 9:24 PM
What a drive. Drake Maye came out swinging and threaded some really nice throws.
Even with some shaky moments, Maye is 9-of-14 passing for 109 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
Even with some shaky moments, Maye is 9-of-14 passing for 109 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
These Houston edge rushers are long. They're gonna get to Drake Maye. Nice job by Danielle Hunter there.
That's back-to-back weeks Maye was strip-sacked. Pats are fortunate Will Campbell recovered it. Could've been a disaster.
That's back-to-back weeks Maye was strip-sacked. Pats are fortunate Will Campbell recovered it. Could've been a disaster.
January 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
These Houston edge rushers are long. They're gonna get to Drake Maye. Nice job by Danielle Hunter there.
That's back-to-back weeks Maye was strip-sacked. Pats are fortunate Will Campbell recovered it. Could've been a disaster.
That's back-to-back weeks Maye was strip-sacked. Pats are fortunate Will Campbell recovered it. Could've been a disaster.
No surprise in this matchup that's expected to be low scoring: Both offenses open with three-and-outs.
(Though the Pats were aided by an errant Stroud pass and a drop.)
(Though the Pats were aided by an errant Stroud pass and a drop.)
January 18, 2026 at 8:08 PM
No surprise in this matchup that's expected to be low scoring: Both offenses open with three-and-outs.
(Though the Pats were aided by an errant Stroud pass and a drop.)
(Though the Pats were aided by an errant Stroud pass and a drop.)
If the Patriots win tomorrow, they’ll head to Denver for the AFC Championship game.
The Broncos will host the Pats or Texans next Sunday at 3 pm ET.
The Broncos will host the Pats or Texans next Sunday at 3 pm ET.
January 18, 2026 at 1:15 AM
If the Patriots win tomorrow, they’ll head to Denver for the AFC Championship game.
The Broncos will host the Pats or Texans next Sunday at 3 pm ET.
The Broncos will host the Pats or Texans next Sunday at 3 pm ET.
A look at the key matchups on both sides of the ball for Patriots-Texans. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Texans-Patriots preview: Expert breakdown and prediction for NFL playoff matchup
Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell will have a very important — and difficult — job in Sunday's playoff matchup against the Texans.
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 12:48 PM
A look at the key matchups on both sides of the ball for Patriots-Texans. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
The Patriots will list cornerback Christian Gonzalez (concussion protocol) as questionable for Sunday's playoff game against the Texans.
January 16, 2026 at 6:19 PM
The Patriots will list cornerback Christian Gonzalez (concussion protocol) as questionable for Sunday's playoff game against the Texans.
Mike Vrabel keeps Fridays light-hearted for the Patriots with high school highlights, coaching 1v1s and more.
Story inside Fridays for the Patriots: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Story inside Fridays for the Patriots: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
How coach Mike Vrabel keeps Fridays fun and light for Patriots, even amid playoff run
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Mike Vrabel keeps Fridays light-hearted for the Patriots with high school highlights, coaching 1v1s and more.
Story inside Fridays for the Patriots: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Story inside Fridays for the Patriots: www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Drake Maye’s focus was always football.
But then he’d show up in basketball season and dominate on the hard wood.
Here are the stories from Drake Maye’s basketball career: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
But then he’d show up in basketball season and dominate on the hard wood.
Here are the stories from Drake Maye’s basketball career: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Before Drake Maye took the NFL by storm, he would ‘destroy everybody’ in basketball
You know Maye as the Patriots' talented second-year QB, but you probably didn't know he was a super-talented high school basketball player.
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Drake Maye’s focus was always football.
But then he’d show up in basketball season and dominate on the hard wood.
Here are the stories from Drake Maye’s basketball career: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
But then he’d show up in basketball season and dominate on the hard wood.
Here are the stories from Drake Maye’s basketball career: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Just a hunch, but for those planning ahead:
I think the NFL will want Steelers at Patriots in the late game next Sunday.
But if it’s Texans at Patriots then the afternoon window on Sunday.
I think the NFL will want Steelers at Patriots in the late game next Sunday.
But if it’s Texans at Patriots then the afternoon window on Sunday.
January 12, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Just a hunch, but for those planning ahead:
I think the NFL will want Steelers at Patriots in the late game next Sunday.
But if it’s Texans at Patriots then the afternoon window on Sunday.
I think the NFL will want Steelers at Patriots in the late game next Sunday.
But if it’s Texans at Patriots then the afternoon window on Sunday.
Boosted by the defense, the Patriots win their first playoff game in seven years. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Drake Maye, tough defense lead Patriots to 16-3 wild-card win over Chargers
Maye came up big, going 17-for-29 passing for 268 yards and a touchdown, as the Patriots won their first playoff game since February 2019.
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Boosted by the defense, the Patriots win their first playoff game in seven years. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
The Patriots will host the winner of the Texans at Steelers next weekend in the divisional round of the playoffs.
January 12, 2026 at 4:04 AM
The Patriots will host the winner of the Texans at Steelers next weekend in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Rhamondre Stevenson is already up to 100 yards on nine touches tonight.
January 12, 2026 at 2:55 AM
Rhamondre Stevenson is already up to 100 yards on nine touches tonight.
Halftime: Patriots 6, Chargers 3
Patriots' passing game hasn't been as good as it was all year. Not a whole lot there downfield. Gonna have to put together long drives in the second half.
Patriots' passing game hasn't been as good as it was all year. Not a whole lot there downfield. Gonna have to put together long drives in the second half.
January 12, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Halftime: Patriots 6, Chargers 3
Patriots' passing game hasn't been as good as it was all year. Not a whole lot there downfield. Gonna have to put together long drives in the second half.
Patriots' passing game hasn't been as good as it was all year. Not a whole lot there downfield. Gonna have to put together long drives in the second half.
Good news for the Patriots 90 minutes before kickoff: Both Harold Landry (knee) and Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) were cleared to play tonight after being listed as questionable.
January 11, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Good news for the Patriots 90 minutes before kickoff: Both Harold Landry (knee) and Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) were cleared to play tonight after being listed as questionable.
If the Patriots win tonight, they’ll face the winner of Texans-Steelers at Gillette Stadium likely next Sunday.
January 11, 2026 at 9:06 PM
If the Patriots win tonight, they’ll face the winner of Texans-Steelers at Gillette Stadium likely next Sunday.
Inside a historic turnaround: How Mike Vrabel flipped the culture of the Patriots. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
How Mike Vrabel sparked the Patriots’ turnaround from 4-13 to AFC East champs
The first-year coach has used a combination of caring, attitude and "aggressive honesty" in leading New England back to the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Inside a historic turnaround: How Mike Vrabel flipped the culture of the Patriots. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
The final NFL power rankings of the (regular) season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
NFL Power Rankings: Seahawks, Patriots remain 1-2, Texans hot ahead of wild-card weekend
This week's power rankings look ahead to what's next for all 32 teams — especially those that missed the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM
The final NFL power rankings of the (regular) season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
This Patriots season has been magical. Unquestionably a success.
But as thy flip to the playoffs, all that success might feel a little hollow without a postseason win. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
But as thy flip to the playoffs, all that success might feel a little hollow without a postseason win. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Patriots’ magical season rolls on, but do they need a playoff win to cap it?
Coach Mike Vrabel and QB Drake Maye have sparked the Patriots' turnaround this season. They'll face the Chargers on wild-card weekend.
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:58 AM
This Patriots season has been magical. Unquestionably a success.
But as thy flip to the playoffs, all that success might feel a little hollow without a postseason win. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
But as thy flip to the playoffs, all that success might feel a little hollow without a postseason win. Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
The Patriots did what they were supposed to today.
They're up 38-10. Time to sit starters and scoreboard watch.
Everything continues pointing to Chargers at Patriots next weekend.
They're up 38-10. Time to sit starters and scoreboard watch.
Everything continues pointing to Chargers at Patriots next weekend.
January 4, 2026 at 11:43 PM
The Patriots did what they were supposed to today.
They're up 38-10. Time to sit starters and scoreboard watch.
Everything continues pointing to Chargers at Patriots next weekend.
They're up 38-10. Time to sit starters and scoreboard watch.
Everything continues pointing to Chargers at Patriots next weekend.