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Stafford Regains Edge in NFL MVP Race Over Drake Maye After Week 18

Betting odds now slightly favor the Rams quarterback following his four-touchdown finale, with the AP winner to be revealed Feb. 5 at NFL Honors.

Drake Maye
Drake Maye scrambles to avoid the Dolphins' pass rush during the Patriots' Jan. 4 regular season finale win.
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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)

Overview

  • Matthew Stafford finished the regular season with an NFL-best 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns after a 4-TD, 259-yard performance in a 37-20 win over Arizona.
  • Drake Maye led New England to a 14-3 record and the AFC East title, posting 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and adding 450 rushing yards with four rushing scores.
  • Sportsbooks such as DraftKings listed Stafford as a slight favorite after Week 18, reflecting a narrow market lean in a race widely viewed as too close to call.
  • Public backing split as Sean McVay and Tom Brady endorsed Stafford, while JJ Watt and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel highlighted Maye’s value and case based on team impact.
  • Voters face a stats-versus-context choice, weighing Stafford’s volume and tougher slate against Maye’s efficiency and softer schedule; Stafford also passed Dan Marino to reach 423 career touchdown passes.