NFL MVP Race After Week 15: Stafford Leads, Allen Surges, Maye Holds Ground
It’s not often you get a December showdown between two of the league’s top MVP candidates, but that’s exactly what we saw when Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills squared off against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots on Sunday. And let’s just say, it lived up to the billing.
Maye and the Patriots came out swinging, racing to a 21-0 lead in the first half that had New England fans dreaming of an AFC East crown and a potential MVP coronation. But Josh Allen wasn't ready to hand over anything-not the division, and certainly not the MVP spotlight. The reigning MVP flipped the switch and led Buffalo on five straight touchdown drives, powering the Bills to a dramatic 35-31 comeback win and keeping their playoff hopes very much alive.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford continues to look like a man on a mission. In a high-scoring duel with the Lions, Stafford was surgical, leading his team to a 41-34 win and maintaining his grip on the top spot in the MVP race. With a massive Thursday night matchup looming against the Seattle Seahawks, Stafford has a golden opportunity to all but seal the award if he delivers again.
With just three weeks left in the regular season, let’s take a closer look at the top contenders-and a few names knocking on the door.
Honorable Mentions
- Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts - Quietly powering the Colts' playoff push.
- Myles Garrett, EDGE, Browns - A game-wrecker who remains dominant off the edge.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks - Emerging as a legit WR1 threat in Seattle.
- Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys - Still in the mix, but needs a strong finish.
5. Justin Herbert - QB, Chargers
The box score might not scream MVP, but if you’ve watched the Chargers this season, you know why Justin Herbert belongs in this conversation.
Los Angeles' offense has been a war of attrition. The run game is efficient but rarely explosive.
The offensive line? Ravaged by injuries, especially after losing Joe Alt for the season.
Herbert has been under siege-pressured 239 times, the most in the league-and yet, he’s kept the Chargers not only afloat, but thriving at 10-4 in a brutally competitive AFC West.
In their win over Kansas City, Herbert’s deep-ball accuracy and willingness to challenge tight windows were the difference. With the Broncos riding an 11-game win streak, the Chargers’ ability to keep pace starts and ends with Herbert. He might not win the award, but no quarterback is more essential to his team’s success.
4. Jordan Love - QB, Packers
Week 15 was a mixed bag for Love and the Packers. The first half?
Impressive. Green Bay jumped out to a 23-14 lead over Denver, moving the ball well despite some red zone hiccups.
But a third-quarter interception by Patrick Surtain II turned the tide, and things unraveled quickly.
Injuries to Christian Watson and Micah Parsons didn’t help, and the Packers couldn’t recover, ultimately falling 34-26. It was a missed opportunity for Love to climb higher in the MVP race, but his season-long efficiency keeps him in the top five. He’s been one of the most accurate and productive passers in the league, even if the MVP window might be closing.
3. Drake Maye - QB, Patriots
Maye wasn’t the reason the Patriots collapsed after a 21-point lead. Penalties and a banged-up offensive line did him no favors. But MVP races are driven by moments, and Sunday’s second half belonged to Josh Allen.
Still, Maye remains the heartbeat of New England’s stunning turnaround this season. In just his second year, he’s vaulted into the league’s elite quarterback tier. With a primetime clash against the Ravens on deck, Maye has a chance to make a late-season statement that could reignite his MVP campaign.
2. Josh Allen - QB, Bills
When Josh Allen takes over a game, it’s must-watch football. Sunday was one of those days.
Down 21-0 on the road, Allen didn’t blink. He threw the Bills on his back-again-and led five straight touchdown drives to pull off a season-saving win.
Buffalo’s offensive line is patchwork, the defense has been up and down, and the receiving corps isn’t exactly striking fear into secondaries. But Allen?
He’s still the most dangerous player in the game when he’s locked in.
At 10-4, the Bills are right in the thick of the playoff race, and Allen is the reason why. He’s not just producing-he’s carrying a flawed roster and dragging them toward January football. That’s MVP-level stuff, even if it’s not quite enough to dethrone the current front-runner.
1. Matthew Stafford - QB, Rams
Stafford has been in a rhythm lately, and Week 15 was another masterclass. Against a solid Lions defense, he went 24-for-38 for 368 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick. The Rams piled up 30 first downs and looked every bit like a team ready to make a deep playoff run.
What’s been most impressive is Stafford’s efficiency. He’s not just racking up yards-he’s doing it with precision and poise, even without a dominant ground game. The Rams’ offense is humming, and Stafford is the engine.
Thursday night’s showdown with the Seahawks looms large. Seattle’s defense is elite, and Stafford may be without Davante Adams, who re-aggravated a hamstring injury. But if Stafford can lead the Rams to a road win and lock up the top seed in the NFC, the MVP conversation might be over.
Final Thoughts
The MVP race is heating up as we head into the final stretch. Stafford has the edge, but Allen is surging, and Maye isn’t out of it yet.
With three weeks to go, every snap, every drive, and every win matters. Buckle up-this one’s going down to the wire.