2025 NFL MVP Winner: Finalists & Complete Award Breakdown

Matthew Stafford won his first NFL MVP award Thursday night at age 37. The Los Angeles Rams quarterback beat New England Patriots QB Drake Maye by just five points in one of the closest MVP races in two decades.

The announcement came during the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Super Bowl LX kicks off three days later on Sunday.

Matthew Stafford Wins 2025 NFL MVP

Stafford’s MVP victory represents one of the rarest achievements in modern NFL history. At 37 years old, he becomes the oldest first-time MVP winner since Y.A. Tittle won the award at the same age back in 1963.

The veteran quarterback put together a season that silenced any doubts about his place among the game’s elite. An aggravated disc in his back kept him out of most training camp. Despite these concerns, Stafford started all 17 regular-season games and delivered career-best numbers.

The voting proved incredibly close. Stafford received 366 points and 24 first-place votes from the 50-member media panel. Maye finished with 361 points and 23 first-place votes. This marks the tightest MVP race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the award in 2003.

His 2025 season statistics tell the story of dominance:

• 4,707 passing yards (1st in NFL)
• 46 passing touchdowns (1st in NFL)
• 8 interceptions
• 109.2 passer rating
• 65% completion percentage
• 7.88 yards per attempt

Stafford threw 28 consecutive touchdown passes without a single interception. This NFL record showcased his precision and decision-making at the highest level.

Complete List of 2025 NFL MVP Finalists

The Associated Press narrowed the field to five finalists before Thursday’s announcement:

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – The reigning 2024 MVP received two first-place votes and finished third with 91 points.

Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Led Jacksonville to 13 wins and the AFC South title. He earned 49 points.

Drake Maye (New England Patriots) – The runner-up led the NFL in completion percentage at 72% and yards per attempt at 8.9. He also posted a league-best 113.5 passer rating while leading New England to the AFC East title and Super Bowl LX.

Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) – The running back recorded 17 total touchdowns after returning from multiple injuries. He finished fourth with 71 points.

Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) – The winner led the league in passing yards and touchdowns despite the Rams finishing second in the NFC West with a 12-5 record.

Why Stafford Won the 2025 NFL MVP Award

Several factors pushed Stafford ahead in the final voting. His volume statistics dominated the league. The 46 touchdown passes represented a career high and beat second place by 12 scores.

The historic touchdown streak built an early lead in the MVP race. Stafford posted a 118.9 passer rating during his eight-game stretch without throwing an interception while tossing 25 touchdowns.

His first-team All-Pro selection added weight to his candidacy. The quarterback selected to the All-Pro first team often wins the MVP award.

The age and comeback narrative resonated with voters. Many questioned whether Stafford would even play Week 1 after his August back injury. He not only started all 17 games but produced the best season of his 17-year career.

Drake Maye’s Strong MVP Case

Drake Maye’s case deserves recognition even though Stafford ultimately won. The Patriots quarterback led the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt. These metrics historically correlate with MVP-caliber play.

Maye’s 72% completion rate combined with 8.9 yards per attempt represents elite accuracy and explosiveness. The Patriots’ success under his leadership strengthened his candidacy. New England won the AFC East and reached Super Bowl LX.

Despite these impressive credentials, Maye fell just short in the voting. The combination of Stafford’s volume statistics and historic touchdown streak proved too much to overcome.

Other Major Awards from 2026 NFL Honors

• Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks WR) led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches with 10 touchdowns.
• Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns DE) earned a unanimous selection after setting the NFL single-season sack record with 23.0 sacks.
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers WR) caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger (Cleveland Browns LB) led all rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
• Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers RB) rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 924 receiving yards after missing 13 games in 2024.
• Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots) led the Patriots from 4-13 to 14-3 and the Super Bowl in his first season.
• Protector of the Year: Joe Thuney (Chicago Bears OG) won the inaugural award recognizing offensive line excellence.

2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

The ceremony unveiled the five-member Hall of Fame Class of 2026:

• Drew Brees (Quarterback)
• Larry Fitzgerald (Wide Receiver)
• Luke Kuechly (Linebacker)
• Adam Vinatieri (Kicker)
• Roger Craig (Running Back)

Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft both failed to make the cut as first-time finalists.

What’s Next for Matthew Stafford

Stafford confirmed his return for the 2026 season during his acceptance speech. The Rams quarterback turns 38 on February 7. He won’t need any offseason procedures for his back issue according to head coach Sean McVay.

The MVP award validates what Stafford’s supporters have argued for years. He belongs among the game’s elite quarterbacks. His place among the greats is now clear with an MVP trophy to sit alongside his Super Bowl LVI ring.

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