If anyone had predicted before the start of the 2025 season that Drake Maye would be a frontrunner for the league MVP far before Week 13, it's safe to say not many would believe you. And it's not because he lacks talent, but more about the chances the New England Patriots being good enough to showcase Maye in an MVP light.
That's where the team is, though, going into their bye week with an 11-2 record, at the top of not only the AFC, but the entire NFL, and a lot of that is because of just how good Maye has played. His consistency has been the most noticeable, elevating those around him to new heights.
It's certainly not something those outside New England were hoping to see, after the Patriots fell into mediocrity over the last five years, yet now they have to deal with the evil empire being back on top once again. But that doesn't mean they want to give the 23-year-old any credit, as they continue to point to an "easy schedule" as the reason for his success.
It's what has many claiming the real MVP is Rams QB Matthew Stafford, the 17-year veteran who leads the league in touchdowns (despite most being for 5 yards or less) with a "more reputable" schedule to boot.
But one analyst just shut that narrative down with ease, and Patriots fans, along with the rest of the league, should take notice.
The MVP debate was easily settled and it's clear Drake Maye should be the winner
While discussing the idea that the Patriots' schedule somehow detracts from what Maye has accomplished in just his second season, Computer Cowboy, as many NFL fans know him on Twitter/X, ended the debate over who is more deserving of the award between Maye and Stafford with facts and even a sensible hypothetical.
Not only did the statistic-based analyst shut down the strength-of-schedule argument, but he also pointed out how much better Maye would be if he had the weapons that Stafford has on offense, with the biggest names being receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
Instead of wondering what Maye's numbers would look like against a different schedule, I think a more interesting question is what the gap in efficiency between Maye & Stafford would be if we dropped Puka Nacua and Davante Adams into the Patriots' offense
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) December 3, 2025
Although the Patriots' offense is certainly no laughing matter, Maye doesn't have the caliber of receivers that Stafford does, even with Stefon Diggs on the roster.
Adams and Nacua are two of the best at the position in the league, making Stafford's job a whole lot easier than people want to mention.
On top of it all, the Rams just lost to the Panthers in embarrassing fashion, which saw Stafford throw two first-half interceptions, one of which was a pick-6, and was strip-sacked later in the game, all leading to their 31-28 loss against a team the Patriots dominantly beat 42-13 in Week 4.
This just further proves the apparent strongest arguments against Maye winning the MVP are not as solid as some might think, and it should be Maye's award to lose at this point. He can lock it up with a win against the Bills in Week 15 and add to that once the playoffs are locked up.