NFL experts admit Drake Maye will ‘probably win’ MVP

Because the MVP dialog turns: Even earlier than the Rams misplaced to the Falcons on Monday night time, the odds for NFL MVP had already turned in favor of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

The Maye momentum continued to build after Stafford and Los Angeles unexpectedly struggled in Atlanta. By the point of ESPN’s “Get Up!” on Tuesday morning, NFL specialists gave the impression to be rising in confidence that the 23-year-old New England QB would win the distinguished award.

Throughout a phase, former Patriots security Jason McCourty spoke up for Maye.

“I went with Drake Maye,” he replied when requested which participant would get his vote. “I feel the way in which he’s performed all season lengthy, we proceed to attempt to knock him down due to who they performed and all that different nonsense. Drake Maye’s not the one who put the schedule collectively. You place them on the market, he knocks all of them down.

“You noticed the efficiency this previous week in opposition to the Jets,” McCourty added, nodding to the truth that New York was not precisely tough opposition, “however nonetheless he was on the market balling, throwing landing passes. I feel his ascension in yr two, what he’s been in a position to do with Josh McDaniels, and the way in which Matthew Stafford carried out final night time now to me makes Drake Maye the MVP favourite.”

Apparently, fellow panelist (and ESPN NFL insider) Dan Graziano concurred, however with a built-in rationalization.

“I feel he’ll in all probability win it at this level, except there’s residual Stafford votes for the lifetime achievement factor they wished to present him,” famous Graziano, “however Christian McCaffrey, we talked about this, the 49ers have come from nowhere to be on the verge of the No. 1 seed, this man has stored all of it collectively. He’s seventh within the league in catches. Not amongst operating backs, amongst everyone. He has over 2,000 yards from scrimmage.

“To me it’s a quarterback award, and in lots of methods justifiably so. However in a yr the place you’ll be able to ding everyone else’s case at quarterback, I feel it’s price speaking about,” Graziano concluded.

McCaffrey, 29, has been a significant fixed for the 49ers amid accidents throughout the remainder of the roster (together with quarterback).

Former NFL defensive again (and NFL analyst) Domonique Foxworth sided with the McCaffrey group, however not earlier than acknowledging {that a} high quality quarterback reminiscent of Maye outweighs the significance of different positions.

“To be frank, they’re actually extra helpful,” Foxworth mentioned. “Having an excellent quarterback, an excellent quarterback, a median quarterback generally is extra helpful than having an excellent participant at one other place, however I’m going to go in your aspect, [Mike Greenberg], and I’m going to hitch you on the McCaffrey practice.”

Trivia: Who was the final non-quarterback to win the AP NFL Most Precious Participant award?

(Reply on the backside).

Trace: He performed for Oklahoma on the collegiate degree.

Scores and schedules:

The Bruins misplaced to the Flames 2-1 on Monday night time. Boston will face the Oilers in Edmonton on Wednesday night time at 9:30 p.m.

Tonight, the Celtics host the Jazz in Utah at 9 p.m.

On Saturday, the Boston Fleet will play the Vancouver Goldeneyes in Detroit at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, the Patriots host the Dolphins in a ultimate common season recreation at 4:25 p.m.

Extra from Boston.com:

Speculating concerning the subsequent banner: Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy made his choose.

On this present day: In 2016, Isaiah Thomas dropped 52 factors on the Warmth in a 117-114 Celtics’ win.

Day by day spotlight: Bijan Robinson discovered a gap and took it 93 yards for a landing (concurrently deciding numerous fantasy soccer championships within the course of).