Stafford, Mahomes headline Fox Sports’ NFL MVP predictions
Matthew Stafford is being considered for a second consecutive MVP award after a standout season with the Los Angeles Rams, while Patrick Mahomes remains among the leading contenders.
Fox Sports has opened its predictions for the 2026–27 NFL awards with Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes at the centre of the MVP discussion.
Stafford is being assessed as a possible repeat winner after what Fox Sports describes as the best season of his career. The 37-year-old reportedly came close to leading the Los Angeles Rams to a second Super Bowl appearance during his five seasons with the team.
His previous campaign was made more notable by a back issue that kept him out for a substantial portion of training camp. Fox Sports reports that bookmakers have given Stafford 14–1 odds, placing him ninth among MVP contenders.
The Rams are described as heavy Super Bowl favourites, with Fox Sports pointing to the selection of quarterback Ty Simpson and the additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. The preview also reports that All-Pro defender Aaron Donald has returned from a two-year retirement.
Stafford has indicated that his focus is on playing well and serving as the best quarterback for the team, rather than attempting to reproduce last season’s personal achievements. Whether that is enough to secure a second MVP award remains a prediction rather than an established outcome.
Fox Sports’ expanded awards coverage will provide weekly predictions for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and the rookie awards. The preview also discusses candidates including A.J. Brown and Christian McCaffrey.
