How Close Was the 2026 NFL MVP Vote Between Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye?
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The 2026 NFL MVP race was one of the closest and most debated in recent memory. When Matthew Stafford was announced as the 2026 NFL MVP at NFL Honors, many observers were surprised not because Stafford’s season lacked excellence, but because Drake Maye had captured the imagination of fans and analysts with a breakout campaign of his own.
Stafford Wins MVP: What the Official Announcement Said
At NFL Honors 2026, the league confirmed that Matthew Stafford won the Most Valuable Player award, the first of his career. The announcement came after weeks of speculation, and it marked a major milestone for the veteran quarterback. Despite battling injuries earlier in his career, Stafford delivered one of the most efficient seasons of his life in 2025.
While exact vote totals are not publicly released by the NFL, analysts and insiders described the vote as closer than most years, driven largely by the emergence of Drake Maye as a legitimate MVP candidate.
Matthew Stafford’s MVP Case
Stafford’s MVP credentials were rooted in a statistically elite and efficient season.
Key 2025 Stats
- Completion Percentage: – 68%
- Passing Yards: Over 4,100
- Touchdowns: 28+
- Interceptions: Low 8–10 range
- Passer Rating: Among league’s Top 5
Stafford’s efficiency, decision-making, and ability to elevate the Los Angeles Rams offense, especially in key divisional games, were major contributors to his MVP case.
Drake Maye’s MVP Push
Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy was historic for a first-year quarterback.
Maye’s Breakout 2025 Season
- Completion Percentage: -b66%
- Passing Yards: Over 3,500
- Touchdowns: 30+
- Interceptions: Low teens
- Rookie Record Impact: Led a dynamic offense with youthful poise
Maye’s campaign gave voters a compelling counterargument: a rookie performing at an MVP-level that defied expectations.
Conclusion: A Historic and Close MVP Vote
Matthew Stafford’s 2026 NFL MVP victory was earned in one of the most competitive races in recent memory. Though precise vote totals aren’t public, reports indicate that Drake Maye was a near-equal contender, with many ballots split between established veteran excellence and transformative rookie performance.
