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Matthew Stafford Edges Drake Maye for AP NFL MVP in Closest Vote Since 2003

The 37-year-old committed to return to the Rams in 2026 during his acceptance speech.

Overview

  • Stafford won with 366 points and 24 first-place votes to Maye’s 361 points and 23 first-place votes, marking a five-point margin.
  • Two first-place votes went to Josh Allen and one to Justin Herbert, with voter Sam Monson publicly defending his Herbert pick on X after criticism from fans and Dave Portnoy.
  • AP MVP ballots are cast by 50 media members before the playoffs, with a 10-5-3-2-1 scoring system that made the single-vote gap especially consequential.
  • Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, becoming the oldest first-time MVP and earning first-team All-Pro honors.
  • Maye now prepares for Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks, seeking a championship after falling just short in the MVP race.