This season’s NFL MVP race is heating up between New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford. Both of them have helped their teams qualify for the playoffs.

Both teams ended the regular season with a victory in Week 18. Retired seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady came forward to reveal his favorite to win the MVP award after these games.

Despite Maye being a part of his former team, Brady wanted Matthew Stafford to win the coveted honor.

“I think what Matthew Stafford’s done this season has been absolutely remarkable,” Brady said on FOX on Sunday. “Forty-six touchdowns, for any quarterback, that’s a dream season. He’s been spectacular.

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“Drake Maye on the other side has done some incredible things with Josh McDaniels in their first years together. Drake’s got a long career ahead. I’m sure he’s going to have many opportunities. I would say Matthew Stafford.”

In Week 18, Stafford led the Rams to a 37-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns while his team finished regular season with a 12-5 record.

On the other hand, after a five touchdown performance against the Jets last week, Drake Maye had a relatively quiet game against the Dolphins on Sunday. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown while securing a 38-10 victory.

Former NFL linebacker makes case for Drake Maye as MVP winner over Matthew Stafford

Maye had a disappointing rookie campaign last season with a Patriots, finishing with a 4-13 campaign. However, things have been different under coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The Patriots clinched the AFC East title since 2019. Furthermore, they are the No.2 seeded team in the conference behind the Denver Broncos. On social media, ex-NFL star Will Compton said that Maye is the undisputed 2025 MVP winner despite the impressive performance from both him and Matthew Stafford.

“It’s only tough because it feels insane that Matt Stafford hasn’t won an MVP in his career and he has a stat line this year that could warrant sending him off the right way. But the reality is Drake Maye is 2025’s NFL MVP.”

The Patriots will face the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild card round of the playoffs on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Rams face the Carolina Panthers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.