Before the start of the NFL season, everyone was talking about the quarterback powerhouses in the league, especially in the American Conference. However, like dominoes, some have fallen one by one, and unexpected heroes have emerged, which is definitely positive for the league, filling it with top-tier players to enjoy week after week.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes is out of the postseason for the first time in his career and also suffered an ACL injury. Then there’s Joe Burrow, who again failed to make the playoffs, mainly due to the turf toe he suffered in Week 2. Also in the mix is two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who still has a chance to make the playoffs, but if he doesn’t beat the Steelers in Week 18, he will be eliminated from the next round.
Josh Allen will make the playoffs, but he’s not ending the season on a high note due to a right-foot injury. Also, for the first time in five years, his team did not win the AFC East, losing the division to Drake Maye’s Patriots, who have undoubtedly been one of the season’s biggest surprises.
Drake Maye is the top favorite for MVP this season
After a rookie season full of uncertainty and a 4-13 record (even though he didn’t play all the games), Drake Maye has had an impressive year with the New England Patriots, leading them to their first divisional title since 2019. Moreover, just one week before the regular season ends, he is the heavy favorite to win MVP this season.
The favorite until a few days ago was Matthew Stafford, but after two consecutive losses and throwing three interceptions in Monday Night Football, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback has lost all chances to be the NFC’s No. 1 seed. As a result, Drake Maye, with five touchdown passes, is now the new favorite in betting odds, with a line of -400 that has already risen to -450.
There’s one week left in the regular season, but for the bookmakers, it seems like it’s already decided: Drake Maye, in his second NFL season, could be MVP, just like Patrick Mahomes in 2018. However, it all depends on the voters, and some think Stafford’s achievement is even greater, especially considering the Rams faced one of the toughest schedules in the NFL.
One week before the season ends, and with everything pointing to him playing against the Dolphins, Drake Maye has 4,203 passing yards, 30 touchdown passes, and 8 interceptions. So, the numbers for the North Carolina standout could still rise.
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