Many NFL MVP races come down to a decision between two players, and that has proven to be the case yet again this season. But the battle down the stretch won’t be between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson this time. Instead, it will be two other candidates, who both entered the year as long shots to win the award.
NFL MVP Race Is Down To Stafford & Maye
Coming into Sunday, Matthew Stafford was the betting favorite. His Los Angeles Rams were sitting atop the NFC at 9-2, and they were the heavy Super Bowl favorites at +350. But a surprising upset loss to the Carolina Panthers not only knocked them out of the conference lead, but Stafford’s MVP odds took a hit, as well.
DRAKE MAYE IS NOW MVP FAVE AGAIN pic.twitter.com/PB85aPE0sj
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) December 2, 2025
It was arguably Stafford’s worst performance of the season so far. He came in having thrown just two interceptions, and had gone eight straight games without committing a turnover. Over that span, he threw 28 touchdown passes. But that all changed in the first half on Sunday when Stafford’s two picks doubled his season total, and they contributed to the Rams’ 31-28 loss.
According to DraftKings, Matthew Stafford is now listed at +125, and he is no longer the favorite.
That title currently belongs to Drake Maye.
Maye Now The Favorite After Monday’s Performance
In a season full of surprises, the New England Patriots may be the most surprising of them all. After starting the season 1-2, they have now won 10 straight games after Monday night’s victory over the New York Giants. In the win, Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and committed no turnovers, and his pinpoint 33-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kyle Williams was the highlight of the night.
MVP type of throw from Drake Maye 🎯
pic.twitter.com/rx40wGzkOh— PFF (@PFF) December 2, 2025
In his second NFL season, Maye has burst onto the scene in an impressive way. He has been in the MVP conversation for a handful of weeks now, and this will be the third time that he finds himself on top of the odds board. Not only does he have his team at the top of the AFC heading into New England’s bye week, but he leads the league in completion percentage and passer rating.
He is listed as the -125 MVP favorite.
It is officially a two-man race, as no other player in the league has a designation of lower than +1500. Perhaps surprisingly, it is Dak Prescott who is in third place on the board. Jordan Love is back at +1900, and Josh Allen rounds out the top-5 at +2500.
