The Los Angeles Rams ended the 2025 season on a high note, beating the Arizona Cardinals and finishing Matthew Stafford's MVP-caliber season strong.
But with Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, the AFC's number 2 seed, the Rams (5 seed) might not have the advantage in MVP discussions.
Despite Maye likely holding the advantage, Dante Koplowitz-Fleming of NFL.com highlighted one statistic that proves Stafford should be the MVP over Maye.
Why Matthew Stafford deserves NFL MVP over Drake Maye
"The only players to lead the NFL in pass yards and touchdowns while playing for the top scoring offense in the NFL since 1990 are Stafford in 2025 and five quarterbacks who all won MVP that season (Patrick Mahomes in 2022, Peyton Manning in 2013, Tom Brady in 2007, and Kurt Warner in 2001)."
Stafford's 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns both lead the NFL, and with the Rams' league-leading offense, Stafford has met all the criteria for one of the best quarterback seasons in recent NFL history.
Adding on, Stafford has just eight interceptions this season, joining '07 Brady as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in these categories with an interception total this low, which is further proof Stafford deserves the award.
MORE: Matthew Stafford receives bold Hall of Fame take from ESPN writer
While Stafford is on a Wild Card team, it's not due to his own fault. The Rams' special teams have blown multiple games this season, and not all five of the losses should be on Stafford.
He struggled against the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, but overall, he was the best quarterback this season. This statistic from Koplowitz-Fleming is proof that he's deserving of the MVP award despite not hosting a playoff game.
Maye is a worthy candidate, but what Stafford has done this season should be enough to outweigh the Rams going 12-5 and earning the fifth seed instead of Maye and the Patriots going 14-3 and earning the second seed.
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