The NFL MVP debate has been raging for weeks now, forcing fans and analysts alike to pick sides between New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, both of whom have had incredible seasons for playoff teams.
Strong arguments can be made for both depending on which stats one chooses, although most numbers favor Maye heading into Week 18. Many of Maye’s critics argue that Stafford has faced a much harder schedule, however, with Maye benefitting from the league’s easiest slate in decades, even though Maye has better numbers against their common opponents.
Not surprisingly, Patriots fan and Maye stan Bill Simmons took Maye’s side while breaking down this year’s NFL MVP race during Friday’s episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
“I never remembered strength of schedule being this important to an MVP race before, because there’s nothing else you can ding Drake Maye on…It’s not his fault,” Simmons said. “You go through the advanced metrics, it’s so convincing for Maye…I honestly think this is crazy. The Pats have the No. 1 offense by EPA. Maye’s at the top in every category.”
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Simmons also notes that Stafford has a better supporting cast with the Rams, which helped inflate his stats. He has better receivers, a better offensive line and plays indoors. Simmons thinks that if you put Maye in Los Angeles and Stafford in New England, Maye would be better.
Simmons also argues that playoff seeding has historically mattered in MVP discussions, with many MVPs coming from a No. 1 or 2 seed. Regardless of what happens this week, Maye will have a better record and a better seed than Stafford despite having less talent around him.
Those are all key points in Maye’s favor. Simmons doesn’t have an official vote for the award, but it’s clear which quarterback he would vote for if he did.
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Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
