Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Gives Bad News to Drake Maye, Patrick Mahomes
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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.
“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
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Has Love for Matthew Stafford
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.”
Matthew Stafford Was Nearly a Raider
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
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.
Bo Nix Declares: ‘I’m Ready to Change the Narrative — Every Quarter Matters, No Matter the Score!’
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is no stranger to the pressure that comes with being the focal point of an offense. After a season of mixed results, with a tendency to shine in the fourth quarter but struggle early in games, Nix is determined to change the narrative. His recent statement makes it clear:
Nix’s words signal a new mindset for the young quarterback, one that shows he’s ready to take ownership of the entire game, not just the final moments. His ability to come alive when the game is on the line has been a highlight of his career so far. However, there’s been growing criticism surrounding his slow starts, with the Broncos often finding themselves playing catch-up in the first half. Nix’s statement is a clear message to his critics and his teammates alike: he’s aware of the issues and is taking full responsibility for the outcome of every single quarter.
Shifting the Focus to Consistency
For the Broncos, consistency has been a major issue this season. While Nix has proven he can perform under pressure — evidenced by several game-winning drives and clutch performances — his tendency to fall short in the early parts of games has left the team playing from behind. As the Broncos prepare for a tough stretch of games, including critical matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Nix’s newfound focus on starting strong is exactly what the team needs.
“I know I have the ability to lead this team from start to finish,” Nix continued. “It’s not just about being the guy at the end of the game. I want to make sure that every drive, every play, from the very first snap, is executed the way it should be. No more waiting for the fourth quarter. It’s time to bring my best every single minute.”
Nix’s focus on making every minute count is not just a mental shift, but a call to action for the entire team. His leadership will be crucial as the Broncos look to close the gap in the AFC West. With the Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers all standing in their way, Nix knows that the Broncos can’t afford to fall behind early. The team needs to be firing on all cylinders from the start, and Nix’s approach is a step in the right direction.
A New Era for Nix and the Broncos
As Nix continues to develop and mature as a quarterback, his resolve to change the narrative will be tested on the field. His performance in the early parts of games will be crucial in determining whether the Broncos can finally unlock their full potential. If Nix can execute consistently from the first quarter through the fourth, he’ll prove to everyone — including himself — that he is more than just a fourth-quarter specialist.
The Broncos’ success this season may very well depend on whether Nix can make good on his promise to elevate his game from start to finish. But one thing is for sure: he’s ready to change the narrative and lead his team to victory, no matter the score, no matter the time.
