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2d ago

Stafford Reclaims Edge in Tight MVP Race After Four-TD Finale

Odds now slightly favor Matthew Stafford following his strong finish, leaving an unsettled vote that weighs production against team success.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams runs off the field after throwing a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Drake Maye
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 reacts after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 to win a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Overview

  • Matthew Stafford closed the regular season with an NFL-best 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns after throwing four scores in a 37-20 win over the Cardinals.
  • DraftKings shifted Stafford to a slight favorite (-135) over Drake Maye (+105) following Week 18, though the contest remains too close to call.
  • Drake Maye posted 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, eight interceptions and 450 rushing yards while leading New England to a 14-3 record and an AFC East title as the No. 2 seed.
  • The Rams finished 12-5 as the No. 5 seed, and Stafford passed Dan Marino to reach 423 career touchdown passes, seventh on the NFL’s all-time list.
  • Public endorsements split: Rams coach Sean McVay said Stafford is the MVP, while JJ Watt argued Maye offers greater value to his team, with on-air debate also highlighted by Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan.