NFL MVP Race Heats Up in Week 15: Allen Eyes a Statement, Maye Faces the Test
The NFL MVP race has turned into a two-man tug-of-war at the top, with Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye trading places as the betting favorite week after week. Right now, Stafford’s back in the lead at -175, edging out Maye (+200), but with Week 15 looming, the spotlight is shifting - and fast.
This weekend, it’s not just about Stafford and Maye. It’s about Josh Allen crashing the party.
Allen and the Bills are heading into Foxborough for a massive AFC East showdown with Maye and the Patriots. New England took the first meeting back in October, and a win this time would clinch the division. But beyond playoff implications, this one could be pivotal in shaping the MVP conversation.
Allen currently sits fourth in the MVP odds at +1400 - a distant number compared to the top two, but not out of reach. Especially not after what he just did to the Bengals.
Allen’s Case: Don’t Count Him Out Just Yet
A week ago, Allen was sitting at +2500. Then he torched Cincinnati with a performance that reminded everyone why he’s always in the MVP conversation.
He completed 22-of-28 passes for 251 yards, threw three touchdowns, added another on the ground, and didn’t turn the ball over once. It was vintage Allen - explosive, efficient, and electric.
That kind of game can move the needle. And it did.
Now he’s at +1400, which implies about a 7% shot at the MVP - still a long way off from Maye and Stafford, but trending in the right direction. And the timing couldn’t be better.
Allen is set to face Maye head-to-head this Sunday, with everything on the line. If he outshines the Patriots’ young star and leads Buffalo to a win, the MVP narrative could shift fast.
Allen’s been doing the extraordinary for so long that it’s easy to forget just how special his play can be. Plays like his fourth-and-4 laser to Khalil Shakir through a crowd of defenders, or that 40-yard touchdown run - recognizing man coverage and taking off like a sprinter - are reminders that he’s still one of the most dangerous players in football when he’s locked in.
And lately, he’s been locked in.
If Allen can follow up a statement win in Foxborough with another big performance in Week 17 against the Eagles - a marquee late-afternoon game - don’t be surprised if he vaults into serious MVP contention. A second straight MVP isn’t out of the question.
He just needs the right stage. And it starts this Sunday.
Maye’s Meteoric Rise
Of course, Allen isn’t chasing just anyone. He’s chasing Drake Maye, the 23-year-old phenom who’s already rewriting expectations just 25 starts into his NFL career.
Maye has been lights-out all season. He’s top five across the board in key quarterback metrics - first in completion percentage, third in passing yards per game, fourth in touchdowns, second in EPA per play. He’s been efficient, explosive, and remarkably poised for someone so early in his career.
That’s why this Week 15 clash feels bigger than just a divisional game. It’s a chance for Maye to solidify his MVP case on a big stage. And it’s a chance for Allen to remind everyone that experience - and elite playmaking - still matter.
If Allen outduels Maye in Foxborough, it won’t just be a huge win for Buffalo. It could flip the MVP race on its head.
Stafford Still Leads, But For How Long?
Meanwhile, Stafford’s steady play has kept him in the driver’s seat. He’s back on top at -175, and rightfully so. He’s been consistent, composed, and productive - the kind of veteran presence who knows how to navigate a long season and make the most of his weapons.
But the MVP race isn’t just about stats. It’s about moments. And Stafford may need one or two more signature performances down the stretch to hold off the surging challengers behind him.
Don’t Forget Jordan Love
While most of the attention is focused on the top trio, there’s one more name in the mix: Jordan Love.
The Packers’ young quarterback is third in the odds at +1000, and he’s got a big opportunity this week as Green Bay heads to Denver. It’s a tough ask - Denver’s defense is no joke - but if Love can light it up and keep the Packers in the playoff hunt, he could become a real threat in this race.
Love has flown under the radar compared to the headline-grabbing names above him, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance this season. A breakout performance in a high-leverage game could be the jolt his MVP candidacy needs.
Final Word
As we head into Week 15, the MVP race is far from settled. Stafford has the edge, Maye has the momentum, Allen has the upside, and Love is lurking with a puncher’s chance.
But this weekend could be the turning point - especially in Foxborough, where Allen and Maye will go head-to-head with playoff stakes and MVP narratives hanging in the balance.
In a season where the league feels wide open, the MVP race is following suit. Buckle up - this one’s far from over.