Is Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford Still the NFL MVP Favorite?
Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford did everything but sell popcorn in the stands to win that football game. We are talking about a vintage, gunslinger performance that reminded everyone why he’s got a ring on his finger. But in the end? He walked off the field with a loss, a headache, and a slightly less secure grip on the MVP trophy.
Stafford Puts Up Video Game Numbers In Defeat
Let’s just look at the absurdity of the stat line. Stafford threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t throw a single interception. He led an 80-yard drive in overtime that should have been the dagger. In almost any other universe, the Rams win that game, lock up a playoff berth, and Stafford starts writing his acceptance speech.
Instead, the Seahawks pulled off a wild 38-37 upset, capped by a two-point conversion that made Rams fans want to throw their remotes through their TVs. It feels almost criminal to play that well and lose, essentially because your defense decided to take the fourth quarter off. It’s the kind of loss that stings not just in the standings, but in the narrative.
A Glimmer Of Hope For the Competition
Before Thursday, the MVP race felt like a coronation. Now? It’s a competition again. Because the Rams couldn’t close the door, the oddsmakers have adjusted the lines. Stafford is still the heavy favorite, sitting around -225 on DraftKings, but he’s looking a little more mortal today than he did yesterday.
This stumble opens a window for Drake Maye. The Patriots’ quarterback has been turning heads all year, and while he’s currently sitting at +300, a massive performance against the Ravens on Sunday night could make things very interesting. Even Josh Allen (+425) is lurking in the weeds, waiting for another slip-up.
Why the Numbers Still Favor the Veteran
Despite the drama and the “what-ifs,” let’s take a breath. Stafford is still the king/. The man has thrown 40 touchdowns this season. That is 11 more than the next closest quarterback. He is 37 years old and playing the position with a level of efficiency that is embarrassing for the rest of the league.
He holds a higher quarterback rating (112.1) than Maye, and he’s doing it with the weight of the franchise solely on his right arm. Sure, Maye has a slightly better completion percentage, and Allen is the reigning champ, but nobody is commanding an offense quite like No. 9 right now.
The loss in Seattle was a gut punch, sure. But unless Maye pulls a rabbit out of a hat against Baltimore, this is likely still Stafford’s award to lose.
