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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.
Boston, MA — In a statement that reinforces the Boston Red Sox’s tradition of grit and determination, head coach Alex Cora has emphasized that attitude plays a pivotal role in the team’s success. “I value attitude over ability,” Cora said confidently. “If your skills aren’t there yet, we can work and improve together. But if your attitude is lacking, you won’t last with this team.”
Cora’s leadership has always been about creating a culture where players are encouraged to grow not only in their skills but in their mindset. While talent is essential for individual performance, Cora firmly believes that a positive attitude is the key to the long-term success of the team. “The players who bring the right attitude, the ones who are dedicated, focused, and selfless, are the ones who will thrive in Boston,” Cora added.
As a coach known for his strategic mind and ability to connect with his players, Cora is focused on fostering a team-oriented approach. He believes every player has the potential to improve with the right effort and determination. “The right attitude is non-negotiable,” he stressed. “We need players who are all-in for the team, who take accountability, and who strive for continuous improvement.”
With the Red Sox striving to return to postseason contention, Cora’s philosophy remains at the heart of their approach. Whether it’s a rookie making his debut or a veteran looking to make a comeback, every player is expected to demonstrate not only the ability to perform but also the right attitude to support the team’s collective success.
In Boston, the message is simple: you can improve your skills over time, but without the right attitude, you won’t have a place on this team. This emphasis on attitude ensures the Red Sox aren’t just a team of talented individuals, but a unified squad with one goal—World Series glory.