NFL MVP Race Shakeup: Matthew Stafford Takes Over as Favorite

The NFL MVP race has undergone a dramatic transformation following Week 11, with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford emerging as the new favorite while previous frontrunner Patrick Mahomes has seen his odds plummet. The Los Angeles Rams signal-caller now leads the pack at +150 odds, according to the latest DraftKings Sportsbook updates as of November 17, 2025.

Stafford's Ascension to the Top

Matthew Stafford's rise to MVP favorite comes after the Rams' victory over Seattle in Week 11, where he delivered 130 passing yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The 37-year-old quarterback has been instrumental in leading Los Angeles to an impressive 8-2 record this season. Stafford boasts an NFL-best 27 passing touchdowns and has accumulated 2,557 yards through the air, demonstrating remarkable consistency and elite performance.

What makes Stafford's campaign particularly compelling is his ball security – he hasn't thrown an interception since Week 3, a remarkable streak that underscores his decision-making and precision. His odds improved from +300 to +150 following the Week 11 victory, reflecting growing confidence in his MVP credentials as reported by FOX Sports.

Challengers in the Race

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who held the top spot last week, now sits at +185 odds after moving from +275. The second-year quarterback has led the Patriots to eight consecutive victories, rapidly establishing himself as one of the league's emerging stars. In Week 11, Maye threw for 281 yards and a touchdown in New England's win over the Jets, continuing his impressive development.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen occupies the third position at +475 odds, improving from +700 last week. Allen delivered a spectacular performance in Week 11 against Tampa Bay, throwing for 317 yards, three passing touchdowns, and adding three rushing touchdowns despite two interceptions. His dynamic playmaking ability keeps him firmly in the MVP conversation.

Mahomes' Dramatic Fall

The most notable development in the MVP race involves two-time winner Patrick Mahomes, whose odds have cratered to +1600 after sitting at +500 last week. The Kansas City Chiefs' fifth loss of the season, a narrow 3-point defeat at Denver in Week 11, has significantly impacted Mahomes' standing. During the loss, Mahomes threw for 276 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Mahomes' recent performance has raised concerns, with four touchdowns and four interceptions across the Chiefs' last three games – one win and two consecutive losses. This downturn has created one of the most significant shifts in the MVP landscape this season, demonstrating how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.

Other Notable Contenders

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains in the conversation at +650 odds, leading the league with 1,139 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 189 carries. Taylor's dominant performance in Week 10, where he rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns against Atlanta, showcased his value to the Colts' offense.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sits at +2800 odds despite leading his team to an 8-2 record, tied for the best in the NFC. Hurts has compiled 1,995 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and only one interception this season, though he hasn't surpassed 200 passing yards in Philadelphia's last three games.

The evolving MVP race reflects the dynamic nature of the NFL season, where individual performances and team success continuously reshape the landscape. As the season progresses, these contenders will face increasing scrutiny with each game potentially altering their MVP prospects.