NFL MVP Race After Week 15: Stafford Leads, Allen Surges, Maye Slips
You don’t often get a December showdown between two MVP front-runners, but that’s exactly what we saw on Sunday when Josh Allen and the Bills stormed back against Drake Maye and the Patriots in a game that had everything-momentum swings, playoff implications, and MVP stakes.
Maye and the Patriots came out swinging, jumping to a 21-0 first-half lead that had New England fans dreaming of an AFC East crown and their young quarterback hoisting MVP hardware. But then Josh Allen reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dangerous players in football. Five straight touchdown drives later, the Bills had completed a stunning 35-31 comeback, and Allen had re-inserted himself firmly into the MVP conversation.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford continued to do what MVPs are supposed to do in December-deliver. He carved up the Lions in a 41-34 win, throwing for 368 yards and two touchdowns while guiding an offense that moved the chains 30 times. With Stafford leading the charge, the Rams are barreling toward the NFC’s top seed, and the veteran quarterback is tightening his grip on the MVP race.
So, with three weeks left in the regular season, here’s how the top five MVP candidates stack up after a wild Week 15.
Honorable Mentions
- Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts - Still one of the league’s most efficient runners and the engine of Indy’s offense.
- Myles Garrett, EDGE, Browns - A game-wrecker who’s kept Cleveland in contention despite offensive inconsistency.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks - Emerging as a go-to weapon in Seattle’s passing game.
- Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys - Playing clean, efficient football with a chance to rise if Dallas finishes strong.
No. 5 - Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
The numbers might not scream MVP, but the tape tells a different story. Herbert is carrying a banged-up Chargers offense that’s been held together with duct tape since Joe Alt went down with a season-ending ankle injury. The offensive line has been in shambles, and yet Herbert keeps delivering.
He’s been pressured 239 times this season-most in the league-and still has the Chargers sitting at 10-4, right in the thick of the AFC West race, even with Denver riding an 11-game win streak. Sunday’s win over the Chiefs was a testament to Herbert’s resilience. With the run game sputtering and protection breaking down, Herbert attacked downfield, threading tight windows and making clutch throws to keep drives alive.
If you swapped Herbert out for a replacement-level quarterback, no team would feel the drop-off more than the Chargers. That kind of value deserves recognition.
No. 4 - Jordan Love, QB, Packers
Week 15 was a rollercoaster for Love and the Packers. Early on, it looked like Green Bay was ready to make a statement, jumping out to a 23-14 lead over Denver. Love was sharp, the offense was humming-even with some red zone hiccups-and the Packers looked poised for a crucial win.
But a third-quarter interception by Patrick Surtain II flipped the momentum. Injuries to Christian Watson and Micah Parsons didn’t help either, and the Packers stumbled to a 34-26 loss.
Still, Love remains one of the most efficient passers in the league this season. He’s grown into the role and is showing poise and command in a young offense. The loss likely dimmed his MVP hopes, but his overall body of work keeps him in the top five.
No. 3 - Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
Maye wasn’t the reason the Patriots blew a 21-0 lead. Penalties and offensive line breakdowns derailed New England’s rhythm, and the Bills took full advantage. But MVP races are about moments, and this one didn’t go Maye’s way.
That said, Maye remains the heartbeat of the Patriots’ resurgence. In just his second season, he’s elevated this offense and made New England relevant again. He’s playing with confidence, command, and a fearlessness that’s rare for a young quarterback.
He’ll get a chance to bounce back in prime time next week against Baltimore-a huge opportunity to reassert himself in the MVP mix on a national stage.
No. 2 - Josh Allen, QB, Bills
When Allen gets rolling, there’s simply no one like him in the league. Sunday was one of those “put the team on my back” games, and Allen delivered in spectacular fashion. Down 21-0, with a shaky offensive line, a middling defense, and a receiving corps that struggles to separate, Allen still found a way.
He led five straight touchdown drives, made jaw-dropping throws, and willed the Bills to a season-saving win. This is the kind of performance that defines MVP campaigns-even if it wasn’t quite enough to vault him into the top spot just yet.
Buffalo is 10-4 and back in the division hunt, and Allen is the reason why. He’s still the reigning MVP for a reason, and if he keeps playing like this, he could very well run it back.
No. 1 - Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
Stafford is putting together a December to remember. Against Detroit, he was surgical-24-for-38, 368 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick. More importantly, he kept the Rams offense on schedule and in rhythm, converting 30 first downs in a game that felt like a playoff preview.
He’s been the steady hand guiding a team that’s peaking at the right time, and if the Rams can take care of business against Seattle on Thursday night, Stafford could all but lock up the MVP. That’ll be no easy task-the Seahawks boast one of the league’s top defenses, and Stafford may be without Davante Adams, who re-aggravated a hamstring injury.
But if Stafford delivers another big performance and the Rams secure the NFC’s top seed, it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking home the award.
Final Word:
With three weeks to go, the MVP race is heating up-and it’s still wide open. Stafford has the edge, but Allen is surging, and Maye has a chance to rebound in a high-stakes prime-time matchup.
Herbert and Love are hanging around with compelling cases of their own. Buckle up-this one’s going down to the wire.