Patrick Mahomes remains one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks but his MVP narrative in 2025 islagging behind that of Matthew Stafford despite some top‑tier numbers.
Patrick Mahomes Excels in Numbers While Matthew Stafford Quietly Leads MVP Conversation
Patrick Mahomes Excels in Numbers While Matthew Stafford Quietly Leads MVP Conversation
Mahomes has thrown for 2,349 yards, ranking third in the league, and has 17 touchdowns this season. He has five interceptions and a QBR of 74.4,placing him fourth among starting quarterbacks.
When you dig into advanced metrics, Mahomes’ case strengthens further. He ranks 1st in expected points added (EPA) per dropback against pressure and 6th in EPA per dropback overall.
He averages 35.1 pass attempts per game, including 4.3 deep-ball attempts per game for a total of 34 this season, ranking fourth among quarterbacks in deep-ball attempts.
Despite those numbers, helags in MVP voting. The main reason is the team’s record and playoff standing. His team sits at 5‑4 and is not safely in the playoff picture. Voters favor efficiency combined with wins, a combination Stafford currently holds.
Mahomes’ supporting cast has seen injuries and inconsistencies. While his numbers remain elite, the narrative around him is weaker than in past seasons.
For an MVP push, he must convert his efficiency into wins, command the fourth quarter, and lift his team into the contender tier.
Matthew Stafford’s Quiet Surge Strengthens His Own MVP Pitch
Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford controls his MVP conversation with classic veteran precision. Through eight games in 2025, he has compiled 2,147 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and only two interceptions. His yards‑per‑game rate of 268.4 ranks him among the top quarterbacks.
His play-action efficiency and poise under pressure consistently earn him praise. Evaluators highlight his 91.5 overall PFF grade, the highest among quarterbacks with similar volume, and his low turnover rate makes him exceptionally reliable.
Stafford’s team has been winning and the Rams’ offensive system is firing in a way that highlights his strengths. That gives him the narrative edge the MVP voting process loves.
While he may not have Mahomes’ improvisational fireworks, he is generating high output with fewer mistakes in a context that matters.
For Mahomes the message is simple, keep delivering top-tier stats and turn them into victories. For Stafford, the focus is on steady performance and letting wins accumulate naturally. Each quarterback follows a different path toward the same destination.