Overview
- Matthew Stafford finished with an NFL-best 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns against eight interceptions, leading the Rams’ top-scoring offense to a 12-5 record and the NFC’s No. 5 seed.
- Drake Maye delivered elite efficiency while guiding New England to 14-3, the AFC East title and the No. 2 seed, posting 4,394 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions and 450 rushing yards.
- In Week 18, Stafford threw four touchdowns in a 37-20 win over the Cardinals as odds swung back his way, while Maye was efficient with 191 yards and a touchdown in a 38-10 win over the Dolphins before sitting most of the fourth quarter.
- DraftKings and other sportsbooks list Stafford as a slight favorite, reflecting late-season swings after Maye’s five-TD Week 17 and Stafford’s rebound finale.
- High-profile voices are split, with Tom Brady endorsing Stafford and JJ Watt arguing for Maye’s value, as voters weigh counting stats, efficiency, schedule strength and the rarity of MVPs from non-division winners before the Feb. 5 NFL Honors in San Francisco.