Heading into Week 13 of the NFL season, the battle for MVP honours had become a two-horse race. On the back of a stellar season with the Rams, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was the moneyline favourite to win the award for the first time.
Second-season QB Drake Maye sat just behind him following a breakout season in New England. However, with Stafford and Maye enjoying contrasting fortunes, the market positions have switched, with the younger man now the choice of the linemakers.
Maye Shines in Blowout of Giants
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Taken by the Patriots with the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, Drake Maye began his rookie season as back-up to Jacoby Brisset. With the Patriots limping to a 1-4 record, he was handed the starting role in Week 6. Maye ended the year with a 3-9 record, 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Those numbers were enough to suggest that he was the man to carry the franchise forward and earned Maye a late call-up to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for Josh Allen.
Building on the promise of that rookie campaign, Maye has exploded into the elite category during his sophomore season. Shrugging off a 1-2 start, he has now led the Patriots to 10 consecutive wins. An 11-2 record is enough to see the Patriots in pole position for the AFC number one seeding. Highlights include his Week 7 91.3% completion percentage, which set a new Patriots record – surpassing Tom Brady’s previous benchmark of 88.5%.
Maye’s excellent form continued in a predictably one-sided Week 13 clash with the Giants. Completing 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, Maye helped propel his side into a 30-7 halftime lead en route to a 33-15 win.
Stafford Wobbles vs Carolina
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Whereas Maye enjoyed a smooth outing versus the Giants, Stafford suffered a blip in a 31-28 home loss to Carolina. The game began well for the 37-year-old. Heading into the game having thrown 27 touchdowns without an interception, he threw a 28th to break the NFL record held by Tom Brady. However, the game unravelled from there. On the very next possession, Stafford’s pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and picked off in the end zone by Nick Scott.
That represented his first interception since Week 3, but another followed the next time the Rams offence took to the field, and this one was costly. Panthers corner Mike Jackson read the pass intended for Puka Nacua, intercepted at the Los Angeles 48, and raced all the way into the end zone for a pick six.
Maye Favourite, But Stafford Not Done Yet
Drake “Drake Maye” Maye is your new NFL MVP favorite 👀 pic.twitter.com/fR3Ftj2OcD
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) December 2, 2025
Given the dramatic difference between the two displays, it was no surprise to see Maye reinstated as the favourite for MVP honours. Nevertheless, Stafford’s subpar outing doesn’t necessarily end the chances of a man who has played in the NFL since 2009.
At 37, Stafford surely won’t lack motivation – if he doesn’t win the MVP award now, he possibly never will. However the season pans out, the ex-Detroit QB has etched his name into Rams history, having led LA to the Super Bowl in 2021.
Drake Maye Season to Date
- Record 11-2
- Passing Yards 3,412
- Touchdowns 23
- Interceptions 6
- Completion Percentage 71.5%
- Rushing Yards 319
Matthew Stafford Season to Date
- Record 9-3
- Passing Yards 3,073
- Touchdowns 32
- Interceptions 4
- Completion Percentage 66.3%
- Rushing Yards -10
Overall, Maye’s win-loss record, passing yards total, completion percentage, and effectiveness on the ground do appear to give him the edge. However, Stafford’s touchdown/interception ratio stands out, and he may yet haul himself back into contention with a strong finish.
If Maye maintains his current standards and leads the Patriots to the number 1 seed in the AFC, he may be tough to stop. However, that isn’t guaranteed. While only one of the Patriots’ remaining opponents boasts a winning record, the 10-2 Denver Broncos are on their tails and ready to take advantage of any slip-ups.
Stafford may yet lead the Rams to the top spot in the NFC. LA’s loss to Carolina saw them lose top spot to the surging Bears. Only behind Chicago on conference record, a one-game swing could take the Rams back to the summit.
If New England and LA claim the top seed, the 50 Associated Press voters will face a tough decision. Will they award the prize to the hottest new talent in the game, or will Stafford’s mighty effort as a veteran bring sentiment into play?