It is never too early to try and place bets on who will win the NFL MVP during the regular season. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks went ahead and gave his top 1- NFL MVP candidates at the midway point of the season, and former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford made the list.
Stafford came in at No. 4 on Brooks' list, and he stated that Stafford's "patience, discipline and arm talent make him a nightmare to defend."
Matthew Stafford's 2025 NFL season
Stafford, despite being the third oldest starting quarterback in the NFL, leads the league in yards per game, touchdowns, and first downs. If Stafford were to finish the season leading the league in touchdowns, he would be tied for the second oldest quarterback in NFL history to do so.
The only other two quarterbacks were Peyton Manning in 2013 and Drew Brees in 2016. Manning notably won the MVP that season and led the Broncos to a Super Bowl appearance. Stafford has led the Los Angeles Rams to an impressive 8-2 record this season and he looks to win his second career Super Bowl.
Stafford's career at Georgia
Stafford in 2006 was the first true freshman since 1998 to start at quarterback for the Bulldogs. In that freshman season, he was an SEC Coaches' All-Freshman First Team quarterback. In his best season in 2008, he broke a UGA record in passing touchdowns in a season and had 3,459 passing yards on the season, which was good enough for second in program history.
Stafford also finished his career with a 3-0 record in bowl games. Stafford had some of the most historic wins in Georgia history, including a game-winning touchdown in overtime against Alabama in 2007 and the famous blackout game against Auburn in that same season.
Stafford's Current MVP Odds
According to Vegas oddsmakers, Stafford's current odds to win the MVP are at +3500. His clutch wins over teams like the Colts and Seahawks have put the Rams at first place in the NFC West and known as one of the top teams in the league.
The success of the Rams plus Stafford's nearly perfect season is what puts him as a favorite to win the award in many sports' bettor eyes. So any Georgia fan who is looking for someone to cheer for the rest of the NFL season should look no further than Stafford.