Matthew Stafford wins NFL MVP in poll, but rival wins OPOI

The Los Angeles Rams looked unstoppable against a stout Seattle Seahawks defense on Thursday Night Football. LA took a 16-point lead deep into the fourth quarter of the Week 16 divisional clash. But The Seahawks made an incredible comeback and won the game in overtime.

Matthew Stafford thrown out in a losing effort. The veteran quarterback threw for 457 yards and three touchdowns against Seattle. And while the Rams lost 38-37, falling behind the Seahawks in the NFC West standings, Stafford still leading the way for MVP honors.

According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelliser, in a poll of 30 NFL executives, the Rams’ signal caller was the top vote-getter. Stafford received 18 of 30 MVP votes in the early awards poll. He easily defeated Drake May, who finished second with five votes. Josh Allen (four), Myles Garrett (2) and Justin Herbert (1) rounded out the field.

Stafford, Smith-Njigba top research with exceptional seasons

However, the same group of executives selected Stafford’s division rival Jackson Smith-Njigba for Offensive Player of the Year. The Seahawks received 15 of 30 OPoI votes in the poll. Stafford finished second in the category with six votes. Allen and Bian Robinson got two each. And May, James Cook, Sam Darnold, Puka Nakua and Jonathan Taylor each received one vote.

Stafford is widely regarded the favorite to win the MVP in 2025 as he leads the league in passing yards (4,179), passer rating (112.1) and touchdowns (40). The Rams KB has thrown just five interceptions in 15 games this season while completing 65.7 percent of his passes.

Stafford helped the Rams make the playoffs for the fourth time in his five seasons with Los Angeles. However, the The Seahawks have a one-game lead in the NFC West with an overtime win in Week 16. Now Seattle can claim the division crown and secure the No. 1 seed by winning their last two games.

Smith-Njigba was a major factor in Thursday night’s epic comeback. The third-year Bydout had eight receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. Smith-Njigba is in the midst of a historic season. He leads the NFL with 1,637 receiving yards and set career highs with 104 receptions and 10 touchdowns.