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The Associated Press announced the All-Pro teams on Saturday, and Los Angeles Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford was named to the first team over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Stafford being named to the first team over Maye is a strong indication that the 37-year-old could be in line to win his first MVP award. There have only been three instances where the MVP winner was not named to the first team at their respective positions.
The first was John Elway in 1987 when he won the MVP, but Joe Montana was named first-team All-Pro quarterback. In 2003, Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were named co-MVPs, but Manning was named first-team All-Pro quarterback.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks downfield against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 4, 2026. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
The other instance was last season, when Lamar Jackson was named first-team All-Pro, but Josh Allen won the MVP.
Stafford beat Maye by 13 votes, marking the first time in his career that he has been named to the first-team All-Pro squad.
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Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 29, 2025. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
In 17 games this season, Stafford completed 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Rams star led the NFL in yards and passing this season.
Maye completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions while also rushing for 450 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old quarterback led the NFL in completion percentage.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye celebrates after a touchdown scored by running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins. In Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 4, 2026. (Charles Krupa/AP Photo)
Both quarterbacks are playing this weekend in the playoffs. Stafford and the Rams will look to avenge their Nov. 30, 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, while Maye’s Patriots will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.
