NFL MVP Instances: Prime Week 17 Performs From 5 Main Candidates As Race Heats Up

[ad_1] With the NFL common season winding down, the intrigue surrounding the race to crown the 2025 NFL Most Helpful Participant is hitting a fever pitch.

The Week 17 slate was doubly necessary for all the highest MVP candidates due to the playoff implications but additionally as one of many closing probabilities to go away an enduring impression on voters.

Drake Maye, Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen and Caleb Williams took the sphere and located various ranges of success, which might affect their odds. Matthew Stafford, this yr's doubtless frontrunner, might elevate some eyebrows heading into Week 18, nonetheless, after an off night time in a highlight recreation on Monday Night time Soccer in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons.

Because the playoff subject formally takes form, let's check out the Week 17 performances of the 5 main MVP candidates in what may very well be the final regular-season week with every in play:

Rams QB Matthew Stafford Sadly for Stafford, one in every of his extra underwhelming video games of the season got here in a stunning 27-24 street loss to the Falcons in primetime. He practically led a 21-point comeback after a scoreless first half however fell quick en path to ending the sport 22-of-38 for 269 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions—together with one which was returned for a landing.

Stafford had 5 picks coming into Monday night time, and practically matched that output in opposition to the 7-9 Falcons. Nonetheless, the 17-year professional, after logging his second Professional Bowl up to now three seasons, could also be poised to take dwelling his first MVP barring a late surge by one other candidate (Maye anybody?).

Do not let the sizzle reel of dominance in opposition to the league's worst crew take away from the truth that Maye's sophomore season has been sensational.

On Sunday in opposition to the Jets in a 42-10 street win, Maye completely obliterated New York, recording extra landing passes than incompletions. His closing stat line? 19-of-21 for 256 yards and a career-high 5 touchdowns, and three carries for 22 yards.

If Maye does not find yourself profitable, you possibly can relaxation assured the now two-time Professional Bowler ought to obtain loads of votes because the chief of one of many AFC's prime groups.

Bears QB Caleb Williams Williams has been on the cash in December, and Sunday night time was one more shining instance in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Bears signal-caller practically gained it for his crew on the finish of a 42-38 shootout on a last-gasp move that fell simply wanting a game-winning rating. Williams completed the sport 25-of-42 for a season-high 330 yards and two touchdowns, and 5 carries for 18 yards.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Lawrence's latest tear did not proceed on Sunday however the former No. 1 general decide performed properly to steer Jacksonville to its seventh consecutive win.

Lawrence accomplished 23 of 37 move makes an attempt for 263 yards and one interception, and added two speeding scores and 26 yards on eight carries. His standout effort within the 23-17 win, together with the protection permitting seven factors within the second half, preserved the Jaguars' shot at an AFC South title and the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Payments QB Josh Allen A wet matchup in opposition to the powerful, reigning champion Eagles' protection led to a day that did not increase Allen's case for a repeat.

The 2024 MVP was held to 8-of-12 for 97 yards and three carries for 16 yards by means of the primary half and the primary drive of the third quarter as Buffalo trailed, 13-0. The veteran QB did decide it up as the sport continued, however it wasn't sufficient to get the job performed as Buffalo failed on a two-point conversion after an Allen speeding rating.

He completed the 13-12 loss 23-of-35 for 262 yards, with seven carries for 27 yards and two touchdowns. Happily for Allen's Payments, the result will not have an effect on their playoff berth, however it would hand the division to the Pats for the primary time since 2019, ending Buffalo's 5-year streak of AFC East titles.

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