The 2025 NFL regular season wrapped up with an MVP race that just wouldn’t quit. What initially seemed like a sure thing for a rising star from New England has turned into a late-season tug-of-war with a veteran, forcing voters to weigh dominance against momentum as the playoffs arrive.
When Tom Brady, the iconic face of Patriots football for two decades, was asked to pick between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford, his choice added a thrilling twist to an already heated discussion.
Tom Brady Sides With Stafford in the MVP Race
Brady, a three-time NFL MVP himself, didn’t hold back. Appearing on FOX after Week 18, the future Hall of Famer praised both quarterbacks but ultimately threw his support behind Stafford, even though Maye is playing for his former team.
“I think what Matthew Stafford’s done this season has been absolutely remarkable,” Brady said. “Forty-six touchdowns, for any quarterback, that’s a dream season. He’s been spectacular.”
Stafford’s case got a significant boost on Sunday when he lit up the Cardinals for 259 yards and four touchdowns, finishing the season as the NFL leader in both passing yards (4,707) and touchdown passes (46). This performance flipped the betting odds overnight, moving Stafford from +400 to a solid favorite at -135, overtaking Maye, who had seemed to have the upper hand after Week 17.
Just a week prior, Stafford had thrown three interceptions in a loss to Atlanta, briefly opening the door for Maye. But the veteran’s comeback, capped by a career year at age 37, has shifted the conversation from late-season volatility to sustained excellence.
Maye’s resume is still impressive. The second-year quarterback threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns with only eight interceptions, leading New England to a 14–3 record and its first AFC East title since 2019, Brady’s last season with the team. His advanced metrics shine even brighter: a league-best 77.2 adjusted QBR, a 113.5 passer rating, and a 72 percent completion rate.
Brady recognized the progress, giving credit to Maye for his development under Josh McDaniels during their first season together. “Drake’s got a long career ahead,” Brady said. “I’m sure he’s going to have many opportunities.”
That perspective might be quite revealing. MVP voters typically favor peak performance, and Stafford’s mix of high volume, efficiency, and leading stats is tough to ignore. ESPN stats show he finished second among qualified quarterbacks in passer rating (109.2) and fourth in adjusted QBR, reinforcing that his production wasn’t empty.
Stafford is ranked seventh in the NFL in PFSN’s QB Impact Score Ranking through 16 games, with an 82.8 grade. In comparison, Maye is ranked second with a grade of 90.2.
Stafford, for his part, has downplayed the award. “I got bigger fish to fry,” he said after the Rams’ Week 18 win, emphasizing team success as Los Angeles heads into a Wild Card matchup against Carolina.
Maye and the Patriots are set to face the Chargers in their own playoff challenge, meaning both MVP contenders will be in the spotlight next weekend. However, with momentum shifting and Brady’s endorsement carrying weight, it seems the race is leaning in favor of the veteran.
The debate isn’t over, but Brady’s vote just made it louder.
