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NFL analyst reveals why Drake Maye, not Matthew Stafford, is MVP
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- NFL analyst reveals why Drake Maye, not Matthew Stafford, is MVP
Drake Maye or Matthew Stafford ?
That’s the debate both fans and media are having over which quarterback should be named the NFL MVP for the 2025 season.
While some like Tom Brady believe the award should go to Stafford , who helped lead the Los Angeles Rams to a 12-win season with 46 touchdowns, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell had other thoughts.
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Barnwell chose Maye as MVP , noting the quarterback helped the Patriots to 14 wins and an AFC East division title.
“I don’t place much stock in quarterback wins mattering in this discussion, but to the extent that team record and performance are relevant, that factor favors Maye,” Barnwell wrote .
The ESPN writer added how Stafford has Davante Adams and Puka Nacua to throw to, while Maye has had to do more with less.
“ Stefon Diggs has been great for Maye, but he has been limited to a rotational role because of his knee. The Pats have hit big plays in the run game, but Maye has three receivers posting elite catch rates over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats,” he wrote . “I put that on Maye as opposed to Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins all turning into Jerry Rice, with the quarterback leading the NFL in completion percentage over expectation.”
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New England’s schedule has also been a hot topic when discussing Maye for MVP. Statistically, the Patriots had one of the easiest schedules this season, but they still had to go up against teams with strong a strong defense like the Cleveland Browns — who are led by standout defensive end Myles Garrett .
The Patriots were also a perfect 8-0 on the road with wins against the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
“If everyone got to play Maye’s slate this season, would other quarterbacks also be producing career seasons?,” Barnwell questioned . “Overwhelmingly, the answer to that question is no. Maye posted a 77.0 QBR against his schedule this season. Stafford posted a 57.7 QBR in six games against common opponents, losing to the Falcons and Panthers . The rest of the league posted a 58.5 QBR against those same teams on the whole throughout the season.”
Stafford has been excellent for the Rams this season. His 4,707 yards led the NFL in 2025, as did his 46 touchdowns.
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Maye finished the 2025 season with 4,394 yards (fourth in the NFL), 31 touchdowns (third) and league-best 77.2 QBR. He also eclipsed the 4,000 passing yard mark and has put his name in the Patriots and NFL history books throughout the season.
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