The 2025 NFL season is in its second half, and candidates for individual awards are beginning to emerge, with Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby revealing who should win the MVP in his eyes.
It’s been a long season for the Silver and Black, with the team at 2-7. As a result, no player or coach on the team is on track to win an individual award. However, that doesn’t mean players like Crosby can’t weigh in on who deserves the MVP honor, and he believes it’s Los Angeles Rams signal-caller Matthew Stafford.
“People are kind of sleeping on Stafford,” Crosby told Jim Gray on this week’s edition of “Let’s Go!” “His name wasn’t coming up as much as we feel it should have for the MVP race.
Then he goes out and gets another win and four breakdown passes. They’re so well-coached, a great quarterback. They’ve got two number-one receivers, a great running back, and a bunch of young, hungry dogs on defense.
“You saw it last [season]—they took Philly right down to the end in the snow in a cold game, and they could have been in the Super Bowl. It just shows they’re continuously getting better. I love that Stafford is starting to get his flowers.”
As for where Stafford stands in the MVP race, Stafford (+300) sits between New England Patriots‘ Drake Maye (+275) and Kansas City Chiefs‘ Patrick Mahomes (+500) as the top three favorites to claim the honor after the action in Week 10, according to DraftKings Sportsbook (via
Sports Illustrated).
Stafford’s success this season with the Rams and potential MVP campaign hits close to home for Crosby, considering the Raiders standout grew up a Detroit Lions fan.
“Growing up a diehard Lions fan, Stafford is one of my favorite players,“ Crosby added. “Being on the podcast with him now feels like a simulation. We’ve faced each other on the field, and you just know when a quarterback is a little different—he’s special. Stafford is definitely in the top five of guys I’ve played against. He’s on a whole different tier.”
In another universe, Stafford would be in Silver and Black. This past offseason, the Raiders were reportedly in talks with the veteran quarterback.
The Athletic reported on February 28
that the Raiders were willing to offer Stafford a two-year contract worth between $90 million and $100 million, which would have averaged $45 million to $50 million per year.
Moreover, the report noted that a second-round pick could have sealed a deal with the Rams if Stafford had chosen to depart. Nonetheless, the veteran would stay in Los Angeles, and Las Vegas would have to pivot to an alternative option, which ended up being trading for Geno Smith.
So far, the Smith has been a disaster for the Raiders, and the front office may be heading back to the drawing board again this upcoming offseason to find a quarterback who can lead the team back to the playoffs and capitalize on Crosby’s prime years.
Cooper Kupp has made his intentions clear as he embarks on his new journey with the Seattle Seahawks. The Super Bowl MVP and one of the most decorated wide receivers of his generation has left the Los Angeles Rams behind, and in his first public comments since joining Seattle, he’s setting the record straight:
For Kupp, the past is exactly that — the past. His historic run with the Rams, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory, will always be a part of his legacy, but it’s clear that Kupp’s focus is now solely on the future. As the Seahawks prepare for the 2025 NFL season, Kupp is determined to leave his mark on Seattle’s offense and help the team reach new heights.
A New Chapter, A New Focus
After years of dominating with the Rams, Kupp’s decision to sign with Seattle in the offseason was a bold move. But his message couldn’t be clearer: his decision wasn’t about nostalgia or chasing old glory. He’s here to win, and that’s the only thing that matters now.
“The records are nice, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you do next. You can’t live off of what you’ve done,” Kupp explained. “I came here because I believe in the direction of this team, and I know that there’s a chance to do something special with the Seahawks. This is about the now, the present, and the future — and I’m all in on that.”
While Kupp’s time with the Rams is filled with accolades, including an unforgettable Super Bowl MVP performance, his focus is shifting toward contributing to Seattle’s success. With a dynamic quarterback in Geno Smith and a solid offensive line, Kupp is primed to make an immediate impact in his new home.
A Legacy Built on Now
Kupp’s mindset is a refreshing change of pace in a league often focused on past achievements and career milestones. His message is clear: legacy isn’t built on what you’ve done in the past; it’s built on what you do next. And for Kupp, that means helping the Seahawks make a run for the playoffs and beyond.
The Seahawks have been in a rebuilding phase, but with Kupp on board, the team’s potential has skyrocketed. He’s bringing leadership, experience, and a championship mentality to a squad that’s eager to prove itself on the biggest stage. Kupp’s presence in the locker room will no doubt raise the level of play for the entire offense.
Looking Ahead
As Kupp begins this new chapter with Seattle, his focus is unwavering. While the Rams’ fans may still hold a special place for him, Kupp is ready to make Seattle his new home. His determination to win is palpable, and his arrival signals that the Seahawks are ready to compete at the highest level.
Cooper Kupp is no longer looking back. He’s focused on the future and determined to build a legacy with the Seattle Seahawks that will surpass what he accomplished in Los Angeles. The records, the accolades, and the Super Bowl ring — they’re all part of the journey. But for Kupp, the real work starts now.