Before the start of the 2025 NFL regular season, almost no one, not even their own fan base, seemed to believe in the Carolina Panthers. Oddsmakers had given them a win total of 6.

Following a tremendous 2025 regular season, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has earned first-team Associated Press All-Pro honors for the first time in his career. The 37-year-old Stafford beat out Drake Maye by 13 first-place votes as he takes another step toward his first MVP award.

Matthew Stafford had a midgame lull while battling a hand injury but overcame it to post an MVP-caliber fourth quarter and lead the Rams to a win.

With the NFL’s 2025 regular season officially in the rearview and the postseason now upon us, the Associated Press released its First- and Second-team All-Pro teams —and with it, has once again sparked debate on who will be named MVP.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was named first-team All-Pro over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye amid a heated MVP race.

Matthew Stafford spoke after the Los Angeles Rams’ comeback win over the Carolina Panthers to advance to the NFC Divisional Round.

This season, there’s been plenty of debate over the NFL’s MVP award between Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Stafford. The veteran quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46) while Maye led the league in passer rating (113.5) and completion percentage (72.0).

Passing on the field goal with the Panthers capitalizing afterward was a huge swing for the Panthers right before the half. The Rams almost grabbed the momentum right back in the final minute of the half but Nacua had what would have been a 46-yard touchdown go right off his hands.