The NFL MVP race has emerged as one of the defining storylines of the 2025 season, with Drake Maye of the New England Patriots and Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams leading a tightly contested battle for the league’s top individual award.
Momentum has recently swung toward Maye after Stafford endured a difficult outing against the Atlanta Falcons, where he threw three interceptions, including a costly pick-six. The performance prompted analysts to reassess the race as the regular season enters its final stretch.
In just his second NFL season, the 23-year-old Maye has delivered elite consistency. He has guided New England to a 13–3 record while completing 71.7% of his passes for 4,203 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He has also added 409 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Drake Maye Matthew Stafford
– 4,203 Pass Yards – 4,448 Pass Yards
– 30 TD/8 INT – 42 TD/8 INT
– 1W vs +.500 – 4W vs +.500
– MVP on PM 77% – MVP on PM 21%
Interesting. pic.twitter.com/8eCv8l5J7s
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) December 30, 2025Maye’s Week 17 performance against the New York Jets further boosted his credentials. He threw for 256 yards and five touchdowns while completing over 90% of his passes. Shortly after, the Patriots clinched the AFC East following the Buffalo Bills’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, giving Maye a significant edge in team success.
Stafford’s Numbers Still Impress Analysts
Despite the recent stumble, Stafford continues to post eye-catching production. The 37-year-old has led the Rams to an 11–5 record, throwing for 4,448 yards, 42 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. While he trails Maye in efficiency and mobility, his passing volume remains unmatched.
The Rams’ loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 30 ended their push for the NFC’s top seed, but many analysts still view Stafford as a serious MVP contender. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said he would still cast his MVP vote for Stafford.
"If I was voting for MVP today I would vote for Matthew Stafford..
How you acquire the stats and who you acquire those stats against has to a be part of the conversation" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive https://t.co/QG3Ky82kdn pic.twitter.com/TuEtYwIefF
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 30, 2025Orlovsky acknowledged Maye’s exceptional season but stressed that context matters. He argued that how and against whom quarterbacks produce remains a key factor in MVP evaluations.
Josh Allen’s MVP Hopes Fade
While Maye and Stafford dominate the discussion, Josh Allen has slipped out of contention. Once a frontrunner, Allen has struggled in recent weeks, including poor showings against the Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.
Analysts note that Allen has not thrown a touchdown pass since Week 15, a drought that has damaged his case amid Maye’s surge and New England’s division title.
THE MVP CONVERSATION IS HEATING UP
LET'S GO TO THE TALE OF THE TAPE #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/LHxETzfpkA
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 30, 2025With the playoffs approaching, the MVP debate continues to evolve. Maye’s blend of efficiency, rushing value, and team success presents a powerful argument. Stafford’s elite passing totals and veteran leadership keep him firmly in the conversation.
As postseason football draws closer, the race between youth and experience remains wide open—and the final weeks promise to shape the NFL MVP outcome.
