1. Drake Maye QB New England Patriots Drake Maye has been the absolute identity of the Patriots' 8-2 start this year. Coming into the season, the Patriots had very low expectations for their season. Above all, the most significant thing was witnessing Drake Maye's growth. So far, Drake has achieved above and beyond what any …
Drake Maye has been the absolute identity of the Patriots’ 8-2 start this year. Coming into the season, the Patriots had very low expectations for their season. Above all, the most significant thing was witnessing Drake Maye’s growth.
So far, Drake has achieved above and beyond what any Pats fan could hope. With a Td-INT ratio of 19-5 and a QBR of 72.9, as well as being second in passing yards with 2555 yards in the air, there’s no doubt that the 3rd Overall pick out of UNC is my favourite pick right now.
While other QBs may have better stats, Drake has thrived in big games with minimal Offensive threats on the line, in the air, and on the ground. The 23-year-old has had an excellent start to his second year and is the favourite of sports books to win the MVP. Hopefully, the kid can stay healthy and keep guiding the Pats back to the promise land. It should make the AFC even more fun.
Well, well, well, look who it is. The guy I claimed was a top 5 QB and no one agreed with me — Matthew Stafford. This guy, at 37 years old, has been carrying the Rams’ offence on his back while spreading the ball around to all of L.A.’s playmakers — Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, and the rest of the crew.
Stat-wise, no quarterback has been better this year than Matthew Stafford. Through 10 games, the 37-year-old has posted a 25-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, completed 69.1% of his passes, and led the Rams to a 7-2 record. He’s currently fourth in passing yards, even with fewer games played than some guys ahead of him.
Stafford was traded to the Rams back in 2021 after spending over a decade in Detroit, and it’s safe to say that deal has aged beautifully for L.A. He delivered a Super Bowl in his first season, and now he’s having one of the best stretches of his career four years later. The Lions may have built their franchise, but it will not matter if they can’t win it all with the guys they have now. I’m referring to the trade that sent Jared Goff to the Lions, along with multiple first-round picks, in exchange for Matthew Stafford. Funny enough, those first-rounders turned into stars for Detroit — guys like Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. But even with all that talent, the Lions still haven’t managed to break through and reach their first Super Bowl.
And look, I’m a Rams fan, but I think it’s important to note: rings are what matter. With the way Stafford is playing right now, plus how this organization has retooled, I honestly think the Rams have a better chance to get back to the big game than the Lions do at the moment.
Stafford looks like he’s peaking right now, which is wild to think about considering he’s in the final years of his career. Sure, he’d love to add an MVP to his trophy case, but you can tell his focus is on getting another ring. If he keeps playing like this, the sky’s the limit for the Rams.
The reason I have Drake Maye above Stafford in the MVP race mostly comes down to the surrounding situation. Stafford has a top-10 young defence and a top-5 offence to work with, while the Patriots’ roster still needs a lot of help before Maye really has a shot to make noise come playoff time. Stafford definitely could jump if the Pats lose some games. I guess we will see.
Jonathan Taylor has really continued his excellence after finding some big games at the end of the 2024-25 season. Jonathan Taylor has been a huge part of the identity of the Colts this year. After dealing with injuries and all the contract drama last season, it feels like he’s back to being the Jonathan Taylor we all remember. The guy has just been on another level.
Through 10 games, Taylor has racked up over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, plus almost 300 yards through the air. He’s doing it all — breaking tackles, bouncing runs outside, and keeping the Colts’ offence alive week after week.
What makes it even more impressive is that defences know exactly who’s getting the ball, and he still finds a way to make plays. The Colts have just been an all-around surprise this year at 8-2. Many pieces like Daniel Jones and Tyler Warren have turned out to be ballers for the blue and white. Either way, Taylor would win any team a ton of games the way he’s playing right now, and that’s why I have him here.
At just 26 years old, Taylor is showing everyone that he’s still one of the best backs in football. If he keeps this pace, he’s going to be in the conversation for MVP, no doubt. The Colts are right in the mix for the top AFC spot, and if they get there, Jonathan Taylor will be the biggest reason why.
