Most Valuable Player
As of the end of Week 13, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford lead the race for MVP.
Drake Maye, quarterback for the New England Patriots, has been a breakout star this season. The former North Carolina Tar Heel and 2023 third-overall pick has started all 13 games as the Patriots sit 11-2 and riding a 10-game winning streak. Maye leads the league with 3,412 passing yards and ranks fourth among quarterbacks with 23 touchdown passes. Despite growing “MVP” chants in opposing stadiums, Maye has stayed modest. After an away game in Tampa Bay he credited veteran opponents: “They may be for Baker Mayfield. Baker played his butt off. Big fan of Baker’s game, and they’re a good football team.”
Matthew Stafford, quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, remains a strong contender. The 37-year-old former Detroit Lion (2009–20) is fourth in passing yards (3,073) and leads quarterbacks with 32 touchdown passes. Stafford’s resume includes a Super Bowl title (2022), Comeback Player of the Year (2011) and multiple Pro Bowl selections. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith praised Stafford’s season: “He is simply elite. He’s spectacular. If I had to give a vote for MVP right now, it would go to him.”
Maye holds the edge in completion percentage (71.5% to Stafford’s 66.3%). With a less-talented receiving corps and offensive line on paper, some argue Maye’s production is more impressive. Stafford’s Week 14 performance against the Arizona Cardinals — while Maye is on a bye — could influence the final vote.
Offensive Player of the Year
Jaxon Smith‑Njigba and Jonathan Taylor are leading candidates for Offensive Player of the Year through Week 13.
Smith‑Njigba, the Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver, leads receivers in yards (1,336) while ranking fifth in receptions and touchdowns. He has reached those numbers on just 111 targets, averaging 16.3 yards per catch. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald praised Smith‑Njigba: “He’s a Seahawk, man. How he operates, his determination, the pride he takes in his work… the guy’s a great teammate. But he’s obviously doing great.”
Jonathan Taylor, running back for the Indianapolis Colts, leads the league with 1,282 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns and ranks third with 226 carries. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones noted Taylor’s game-changing ability: “It doesn’t get old watching Taylor break off long touchdown runs. He has a profound impact on the coaches and players and his leadership helps the team secure wins.”
Both players are healthy and expected to play in Week 14, setting up a close finish for the award.
Defensive Player of the Year
Myles Garrett appears poised to capture Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cleveland Browns defensive end leads the NFL with 19 sacks through Week 13 and is on pace to challenge the single‑season sack record of 22.5 held by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021). Garrett, a 2017 No. 1 overall pick out of Texas A&M, has developed into a perennial pass‑rush threat and a leader on Cleveland’s defense.
“I’m trying to be better every single day,” Garrett said. “Knowing that guys are out there improving and trying to take it to that next level, that gives me fire to improve my play and work on these little things that can keep me from dominating a game.”
If Garrett maintains his current pace, he would be the clear choice for Defensive Player of the Year.
