Drake Maye of the New England Patriots and Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams lead the 2025 NFL MVP race entering the final weeks. Their rise is driven by exceptional quarterback performances amid tight competition. Both quarterbacks are having a good season even beyond the sports world, influencing trends on platforms like Sleeper Fantasy. In fact, due to earning a lot of fantasy points, they are being good picks for managers that are using great DFS platforms like this. Much like the NBA, where individual stars drive the narrative, these two signal-callers are dominating the conversation.
The race has become incredibly tight, with narratives changing weekly. While the NBA often focuses on player efficiency ratings, the NFL is currently weighing value against raw volume. It seems that the final decision will come down to which philosophy voters prefer.
Drake Maye Maximizes Efficiency for Patriots
Maye tops key efficiency metrics with the NFL’s best quarterback rating at 111.9. He excels despite limited supporting talent, including no elite wide receivers and a subpar offensive line. Some analysts compare his rapid ascent and singular value to a rookie sensation in the NBA, where one player can change a franchise’s fortune instantly.
His odds shifted to -135 after Week 13, positioning him as the favorite. This is especially true if the Patriots secure the AFC’s top seed. Maye’s breakout rookie-level impact underscores his immense value to team success rather than just compiling stats. To be sure, his efficiency in a difficult situation makes a compelling argument for the award.
Matthew Stafford Commands High Powered Rams Offense
Stafford leads in passing touchdowns, with numbers hovering around 32 to 35, and dominates volume stats. He is posting career highs in success rate at 54.1% and adjusted net yards per attempt. At 37, he benefits from a stacked Rams offense with stars like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Moreover, a top defense is fueling their NFC West push. Odds at +125 reflect his recent surge, including a decisive 45-17 win. However, his veteran status may temper voter excitement compared to fresh talent. Still, his production rivals the statistical dominance often seen in NBA MVP campaigns.
Playoff Implications and Voter Sentiment
Dak Prescott at +1500 and Jordan Love at +1900 trail but remain viable. They could rise if they outperform in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Josh Allen faces repeat-winner bias.
- Positional leaders like Jonathan Taylor add narrative depth.
- Quarterbacks continue to dominate the conversation.
- Team seeding will be pivotal in the final decision.
Voting by Associated Press members post-regular season will decide the winner. Therefore, the final weeks remain critical for every candidate involved.
Would you like me to research which specific AP voters have publicly commented on the Maye vs. Stafford debate?