When it comes to Super Bowl MVPs, history tells us one thing loud and clear: offense wins the spotlight. And for the New England Patriots heading into the big game, the MVP conversation starts - and likely ends - with quarterback Drake Maye.
Let’s break it down.
Drake Maye: The Clear-Cut Favorite
If the Patriots are going to pull off the upset and hoist the Lombardi Trophy, it’s going to be because Maye delivers the kind of performance that turns heads - and earns hardware. He’s been one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks this season, a finalist for the regular-season MVP, and the engine behind New England’s playoff run. His arm talent, poise under pressure, and sneaky-good mobility have made him a nightmare for defenses all year.
But there’s a wrinkle: Maye’s shoulder isn’t 100%, and he’s also been battling an illness. That’s not ideal when you’re about to face a Seahawks defense that’s among the stingiest in the league.
Still, this is the Super Bowl. If Maye is on the field, you can bet he’s going to leave it all out there.
He’s not the type to shrink from the moment - balky shoulder or not.
And here’s the kicker: New England hasn’t leaned heavily on designed runs for Maye this season, but that doesn’t mean he can’t move. His 450 rushing yards came almost entirely from improvisation.
Remember that naked reverse in the AFC Championship Game that iced it? That wasn’t drawn up - it was instinct.
If the Patriots decide to sprinkle in some designed runs to keep Seattle guessing, Maye’s legs could be just as valuable as his arm.
The Supporting Cast: Stevenson and Diggs
Now, if someone outside of Maye is going to snag MVP honors, the two most likely candidates are running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Stevenson isn’t a breakaway threat in the mold of a Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara, but he’s a workhorse. When he’s on, he’s churning out tough yards, moving the chains, and wearing down defenses. If New England gets out to a lead and leans on the ground game to control the clock, Stevenson could end up with the kind of stat line that catches MVP voters’ eyes - especially if he finds the end zone a couple of times.
Then there’s Diggs. The veteran wideout has been the Patriots’ top target all season, and he’s looked every bit the Pro Bowler - even after coming off ACL surgery.
He’s still got the route-running precision, the hands, and the knack for making plays in big moments. But here’s the thing: for Diggs to shine, Maye has to get him the ball.
That’s why even a monster game from Diggs likely means Maye had an even bigger one.
The Long Shot: Milton Williams
Could a defensive player crash the MVP party? It’s rare, but not impossible.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams is the name to watch on that side of the ball. He’s been a disruptive force up front, and if he goes off for something like a three-sack performance - especially in a low-scoring, grind-it-out type of game - he could make a case.
But let’s be real: defensive MVPs are unicorns in the Super Bowl era. It would take a truly dominant showing.
Bottom Line
This game, and the MVP conversation that comes with it, runs through Drake Maye. If New England pulls off the upset, it’s almost certainly because their young quarterback rises to the occasion and delivers a performance worthy of the game’s biggest stage. Whether it’s with his arm, his legs, or a little bit of both, Maye has all the tools to etch his name in Super Bowl lore.
Stevenson and Diggs? They’re capable of stealing the spotlight - but only if Maye sets the stage.