For the first time in years, the NFL MVP race doesn’t feature Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson at the top. Instead, it’s Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots.
After Week 10, listed Maye as the betting favorite at +275, with Stafford close behind at +300. Both quarterbacks led their teams to impressive road wins — Maye steering the Patriots past Tampa Bay 28–23, and Stafford commanding a 42–26 rout over the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles’ fourth straight victory.
Stafford’s Historic Surge
Stafford’s recent stretch has been nothing short of record-breaking. Against San Francisco, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw four or more touchdowns with zero interceptions in three straight games. He’s now thrown 20 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last six, all while leading the Rams to a 5–1 record in that span.
“He’s just been in total command,” said Sean McVay, praising the 17-year veteran. “It looks like the game is really in slow motion to him right now.”
Teammates have echoed that sentiment. Puka Nacua said, “When you’re on a heater, you don’t touch whatever he’s doing. I’m like, you can do whatever. You can walk on water right now.” Davante Adams added, “It’s looked like MVP play to me all year. Even when things don’t go his way, the way he rallies the team — that’s what an MVP does.”
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Maye’s Meteoric Rise
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While Stafford’s excellence stems from veteran precision, Drake Maye’s rise has come through composure beyond his years. The sophomore has powered New England to an 8–2 record and a seven-game winning streak, becoming both a statistical marvel and a steadying force amid AFC East chaos.
During that run, Maye has become the most-backed player for MVP by both bets and handle, per DraftKings data. If the Patriots secure the AFC’s top seed, his case only strengthens.
A Generational Faceoff
Stafford, in his 17th season, is chasing the lone accolade missing from his résumé. Maye, barely halfway through his second, is building a legacy before it begins. One represents mastery; the other, momentum.
And as November rolls on, the 2025 MVP race looks like a passing of the torch — one perfectly spiraled throw at a time.
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