Everyone is wondering who will win NFL MVP between New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
One guy who knows a thing or two about being in the running for MVP is three-time Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, who is working as an awesome broadcaster for CBS these days.
On Sunday, Watt didn’t beat around the bush when it came to discussing the 2025 MVP race. Watt, speaking from experience, made a few key points about the current race before landing on his selection: Maye.
“Having been in this (MVP) discussion before, a main thing that was used against me … was the fact that our team didn’t make the playoffs,” Watt said.
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“I do know that they take team records into account, whether you think that’s right or wrong. … I do know that looking at a first-place team in their division and looking at a third-place team in their division might weigh into some people’s voting factors saying, ‘We can’t give the MVP to a guy who finished third in his division.’”
“I am not saying that that’s correct,” Watt continued. “There are so many different factors that go (into it) … it’s up in the air. … Also, my thing is ‘valuable.’ If you took that guy off their team, which team drops down further? And I mean, for me right now, I feel like if you take Drake Maye off the Patriots, they’re dropping further down right now.”
Comparing Maye to Stafford entering Week 18 was a fun exercise.
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Maye had guided the Patriots to a 13-3 record and the AFC East title, leading the league with a 71.7 percent completion rate, 8.9 yards per attempt, and a 112.9 passer rating. Maye’s stats included 4,203 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding around 400 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Stafford had powered the Rams to an 11-5 mark and a playoff berth, pacing the NFL with a career-high 42 touchdown passes, alongside 4,448 yards and eight interceptions on 65.2 percent passing. A rough Week 17 showing (three picks in a narrow loss to the Atlanta Falcons) dented his MVP momentum.
