The 2025-26 NFL regular season has concluded, and the conversation surrounding the NFL MVP race has narrowed down to a historic clash between veteran brilliance and a sophomore sensation. On a recent episode of ESPN’s "Get Up," the crew debated whether Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford or New England Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye deserves the league's most prestigious individual honor.
The Case for Matthew Stafford: A Season of Dominance
At 37 years old, Matthew Stafford has put together a statistical campaign that rivals the best of his Hall of Fame-caliber career. Stafford finished the regular season leading the NFL in both passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46). His ability to distribute the ball to a loaded Rams receiving corps, which now includes both Puka Nacua and mid-season acquisition Davante Adams, turned the Los Angeles offense into the most feared unit in the league.
A significant factor in the NFL MVP race is the recent announcement of the Associated Press All-Pro teams. Stafford was named the First-Team All-Pro quarterback, a distinction that often serves as a prerequisite for winning the MVP. Historically, 97% of MVP winners since 1990 have also been First-Team All-Pro selections. Stafford's 46 touchdowns are the most by any quarterback in a single season since 2020, highlighting his efficiency and volume in Sean McVay’s refined offensive scheme.
Drake Maye: The Efficiency King and New England’s Engine
While Stafford has the volume, Drake Maye has the efficiency and the "value" argument that has captivated many voters. In just his second professional season, Maye led the NFL in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play and posted a league-leading Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE) of +10.3. The "Get Up" crew highlighted that Maye achieved these numbers while navigating one of the league's most difficult situations regarding offensive line protection.
Maye’s dual-threat capability also separates him from the veteran Stafford. The Patriots quarterback accounted for 450 rushing yards and 38 first downs with his legs, serving as the primary engine for a New England team that finished the season with a 14-3 record. Supporters of Maye argue that if you removed him from the Patriots, the team would suffer a far greater drop-off than the Rams would without Stafford, given Los Angeles’ elite supporting cast and coaching.
Other Contenders in the NFL MVP Race
While the debate on "Get Up" focused heavily on the two-man race at the top, several other stars remain in the conversation as finalists for the award. The diversity of candidates this year highlights the high level of play across both conferences.
- Josh Allen: The Buffalo Bills quarterback finished fourth in EPA per play and carried a 12-5 team despite a rotating cast of pass-catchers and significant defensive injuries.
- Christian McCaffrey: The 49ers superstar is the lone non-quarterback with a realistic path to the trophy, having surpassed 2,000 total yards from scrimmage for the second consecutive season.
- Trevor Lawrence: Though considered a longshot, Lawrence led the Jaguars back to the postseason with a career-high in passer rating and late-game heroics.
Analyzing the Supporting Cast Factor
One of the most contentious points in the NFL MVP race debate is the "help" each quarterback received. The Rams’ offensive environment is widely considered the best in football, with Stafford benefiting from Sean McVay’s play-calling and two of the top receivers in the game. In contrast, Drake Maye’s top targets in New England included DeMario Douglas and Matt Collins—talented players, but a tier below the Rams’ All-Pro duo.
The betting markets currently reflect this divide, with Stafford holding a slight edge as the betting favorite (-140) over Maye (+115). As the NFL prepares for the official announcement at the NFL Honors, the debate continues to split fans and analysts alike: do you reward the veteran with the best stats, or the young star with the most individual impact?
Sources & Original Reporting
- ESPN APIWho should be the NFL MVP?
