This year, the NFL MVP conversation is one of the closest races in recent memory. The two leading competitors are down to 23 year old Patriots QB Drake Maye, and 37 year old Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Currently the odds have Stafford as a slight favorite at -135, with Maye trailing at +105. Both have a strong argument to be made to bring home the NFL’s most prestigious award.
With a career-high of 46 touchdowns, 17-year veteran Stafford has had one of the strongest seasons of his career. The LA quarterback has had a resurgence in the twilight of his time in the NFL. Though a Super Bowl winner just a few years ago, Stafford was not expected to have anywhere near this type of season. In 16 games last year, The University of Georgia alum threw for only 20 touchdowns and the same interception total of 8.
The Rams made a key offseason decision to release franchise cornerstone Cooper Kupp. This move was followed up by bringing in Davante Adams to pair up with young superstar Puka Nacua. This duo has thrived with Stafford, as the Rams went 12-5 in the regular season. This talent alongside Head Coach Sean McVay and RB Kyren Williams has actually been a main gripe for Stafford’s candidacy. Many fans and analysts have discredited his success due to the sheer amount of weapons the Rams possess across the offense.
As for Maye, the second-year man out of the University of North Carolina has been one of the best stories this year. He has led the Patriots from an abysmal 4-13 record that ended with the firing of Head Coach Jerod Mayo, to a 14-3 record and the #2 seed in the AFC. Maye has done this with surprisingly few star players on the offense. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is the only player on the team with over 1,000 yards.
Nevertheless, this hasn’t limited him from having the highest completion percentage in the league. He and new head coach Mike Vrabel have worked perfectly with each other, as the Patriots have the 2nd highest-scoring offense in the league. However, a key factor in holding Maye back in the mind of some voters is that the Patriots had the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL at 0.391. Comparatively, the Rams were 0.526 that included playing the Seahawks and 49ers twice.
When considered side-by-side, Stafford leads in passing yards and touchdowns. Maye leads in completion percentage, rating, and major rushing statistics. Both QBs’ teams are currently still in the playoffs, very possibly on a crash course to meet at Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.
Between the two, Lake Travis senior and NFL fan Cole Kaloustian would give his vote to Stafford. “His lead in yards and TD,” said Kaloustian, when asked about Stafford’s greatest strengths. On the other hand, Lake Travis senior Bryan Badillo believes Maye deserves the award. “He has carried the Patriots with little to no weapons,” shared Badillo. It’s clear that both players have had great seasons worthy of being celebrated – and that this season will be one to remember.
