Pro Football History.com Blog
November 25th, 2025
By Stephen Juza
After twelve games, we have a new #1 seed in the AFC. With a 26-20 victory over the Bengals, the New England Patriots have passed over the Denver Broncos for the top seed in the AFC and owners of the best record in the league. With one new playoff team in the picture after the Steelers dropped out of first place in the AFC, let’s look at the latest standings after Week 12.
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#1 New England Patriots (+1)
The Patriots take over the #1 seed in the AFC after a road victory against the Bengals. They clinched their ninth straight victory for the first time since 2015. The Patriots overcame an early 10-0 deficit with a big 17-point second quarter, but their victory wasn’t clinched until the defense forced a turnover on downs with 18 seconds remaining in the game. The Patriots will host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
#2 Denver Broncos (-1)
The Broncos dropped down to the #2 seed on their bye week after the Patriots victory. However, the Broncos have two fairly easy road games coming up against the Washington Commanders (3-8) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) coming up the next two weeks, so they will have a great opportunity to retake home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Colts continue their brief slide with a 23-20 Overtime loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Leading 20-9 entering the fourth quarter, the Colts gave up 14 unanswered points to the Chiefs offense. The defense did a good job of keeping the Chiefs out of the end zone, but in the end they couldn’t overcome five field goals from Harrison Butker. Despite the lead, the Colts abandoned the run, leading to the offense not picking up a single first down in the fourth quarter as their lead unraveled. The Colts will face AFC South rival, the Houston Texans, this upcoming week.
#4 Baltimore Ravens (+6)
Appearing on the Playoff Board for the first time this season, the Baltimore Ravens are rolling right now. After a 23-10 victory against the New York Jets, the Ravens have now won five straight games. After looking dead in the water after falling to 1-5, the Ravens have rallied to restore their season. The Ravens will look for their sixth straight victory when they host the Bengals on Thanksgiving Day.
#5 Los Angeles Chargers (+1)
After a bad loss to the Jaguars last week, the Chargers had a bye week to rest and recover. They have remained in the wild card picture in the off week, and will play host to the Las Vegas Raiders this upcoming week. The Chargers beat the Raiders on the road 20-9 in Week 2, and a win this week will be very important to maintain pace with the other wild card teams, who all sit at 7-4.
#6 Jacksonville Jaguars (+1)
The Jaguars moved up in the standings after a tight 27-24 overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals. The Jaguars were able to overcome a sloppy game filled with numerous turnovers to win their third game in the last four weeks. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence three three interactions and lost a fumble while throwing three touchdown passes to lead the scoring for the Jaguars. The Jaguars will go on the road Thanksgiving weekend to take on the Tennessee Titans, owners of the worst record in the league.
#7 Buffalo Bills (-2)
After their second loss in three weeks, the Bills are close to missing the playoffs all together if they do not right the ship soon. The Bills lost 23-19 against the Houston Texans this week, with Josh Allen failing to throw for a touchdown pass for only the second time this season. The offensive line failed the offense this week, with the Cardinals sacking Allen eight times on the day. The Bills will go on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
November 25th, 2025
By Stephen Juza
After Week 12, the NFL MVP award has been turning into a two-man race between Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye. As these quarterbacks continue leading their teams’ to the number one seed in their conference, other contenders last week dropped down rankings because of unfortunate losses. While the MVP field narrows this week, there are contenders on the fringe that could make a run with a stellar end to the season.
Being an MVP requires lots of work in the classroom for these NFL players, studying film of their opponents, reviewing the new gameplan for the week, and lots of hard work in the offseason. They can’t phone it in, or say “Coach, I want someone to do my assignment for me”. They’ve got to put in the work day after day, week after week.
Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams, Quarterback
Stafford has continued to solidify his chance for his first ever MVP. With a very efficient 34-7 victory over Tampa Bay, Stafford threw for three more touchdowns to extend his touchdown lead over the rest of the league (30 touchdowns) with only two interceptions on the season. Only one other player in the league has more than 1,500 yards passing with fewer interceptions, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. With each passing week, Stafford puts up better stats.
This last week was his fifth straight game with multiple touchdown passes without an interception, and during that run he’s been careful to not take sacks either. It’s been since September since he’s been sacked three or more times in a game. Stafford has always lit up the stat sheet, but with the Rams leading the NFC, he’s turned this into his award to lose with six games to go in the season.
Drake Maye - New England Patriots, Quarterback
While Stafford is the wily old vet, his competition for the MVP is a second-year player out of North Carolina. Drake Maye has led the New England Patriots to a stunning turnaround from the 2024 season, with the team leading the entire NFL with a 10-2 record after coming in last in the AFC East just a season ago. While Stafford is leading the league in passing touchdowns, Maye leads the league in passing yards (3,130).
Maye has been remarkably consistent all season long. At least a touchdown in every game (except one). He protects the football with zero games with more interceptions than touchdowns. And his season low for passing yards is 203, while his season high was this week with 294 yards. Hardly a subpar game this season, and if his steady hand continues to lead the Patriots to the #1 seed, his MVP candidacy is hard to look away from.
The Field
With Stafford and Maye emerging as the likely candidates, other players may only get consideration with a dramatic finish to the season in the form of a major win streak. We had Colts running back Jonathan Taylor on the list last week, and he followed that up with his second worst game of the season when he only ran for 58 yards. Reigning MVP Josh Allen has fallen farther down our list after their second loss in three weeks, which now has them on the cusp of missing the playoffs. And one name that can’t be ignored is two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, whose Kansas City Chiefs are sitting outside the playoffs looking in right now, but if they were able to close out the 2025 season with a playoff berth, it will likely be on his arm making big plays through the stretch.
This late in the season, it’s very likely that one of these five players will be hoisting the MVP trophy in February.
November 25th, 2025
When you consider the greatest quarterbacks ever, you’re looking at statistics at the same time as leadership, legacy and the ability to perform under the most intense pressure. Football history is rich with legends who defined their eras and selecting the top five demands you weigh championships, innovation and impact. As of 2025, for instance, Patrick Mahomes has already thrown for 34,701 career passing yards, underlining just how much he’s recast the position. This list brings together five signal-callers who radically influenced the game: some rewrote the record books, others inspired whole generations. You can appreciate greatness in different forms and these five represent the best of what the quarterback position can be.
Tom Brady: The ultimate winner
Tom Brady’s career represents the pinnacle of sustained excellence. He amassed more than 89,000 passing yards and threw 649 touchdown passes, setting all-time records for productivity. He won an unparalleled seven Super Bowls and was named Super Bowl MVP five times, showing up when it mattered most. His longevity is staggering, playing at a high level into his forties, guiding two franchises to championships. Brady’s work ethic, competitive drive and cold-blooded winning mentality make him the benchmark for what a winner looks like in the NFL.
Joe Montana: The comeback king
Joe Montana earned his nickname “Joe Cool” precisely because of his calm under pressure and his mastery of late-game comebacks. He led his team to four Super Bowl victories and collected three Super Bowl MVP awards, delivering his best in crunch time. His accuracy, poise and ability to dissect defenses under duress remain legendary. Particularly for the global fanbase, those seeking to bet online on Spanish platforms and analyze historic performances, Montana’s moments of clutch brilliance still come up in models assessing quarterback impact in big games. His legacy is defined by ice-cold nerves and surgical execution.
Patrick Mahomes: The modern marvel
Patrick Mahomes has changed how quarterbacks play in the 21st century; since becoming his team’s starter, he has thrown for over 32,000 yards and more than 245 touchdowns and already captured three Super Bowl titles. He has won multiple NFL MVP awards, with his performances on the big stage reflecting his rare talent. His improvisational style (sidearm throws, no-look passes and spontaneous scrambles) looks effortless, even when chaos rules. At just thirty, he combines elite arm talent, vision and poise in a way that makes you feel the sport is developing at his speed.
Peyton Manning: The field general
Peyton Manning redefined what a quarterback could be through his intellect and anticipation. He earned five regular-season MVP awards (the most in league history) as a result of his mastery of pre-snap reads and his ability to change plays at the line. He won two Super Bowls, once with his original team and later with a new franchise and consistently put up massive passing numbers year after year. His preparation was legendary: dialing audibles like a chess master and studying defensive tendencies like a strategist. Manning’s cerebral approach set a standard for precision and command.
Johnny Unitas: The pioneer
Johnny Unitas played in an era when passing was less dominant, yet he changed the game forever. Over eighteen seasons, he threw more than 40,000 yards and nearly 300 touchdown passes, representing extraordinary numbers for his time. He won three league MVP awards and directed countless two-minute drives with a calm confidence that inspired teammates. His grit, leadership and mastery of timing turned him into a legend and his style paved the way for the modern quarterback. Without Unitas, the concept of pressure-filled, late-game drive execution might look very different today.
Why this list matters
You might wonder why these five, particularly when so many other great quarterbacks exist. The answer lies in how they define different facets of greatness, ranging from pure winning to innovation, from cerebral mastery to raw leadership. Looking at their careers helps you understand how quarterback play developed: how pressure situations, era context and individual traits converge to create legends. Yes, this list is a ranking, but it proposes a framework for appreciating how the position grew, how talent matured and how some individuals reimagined what a quarterback could do.
Certainly, other names often come up in debates about the greatest ever. Aaron Rodgers dazzled with accuracy and efficiency, winning multiple MVPs; Dan Marino ripped off huge passing numbers in his era, even though he never won a Super Bowl; John Elway turned in heroic fourth-quarter drives and Steve Young offered a rare blend of mobility and precision. Don't forget - Brett Favre played with a ferocious passion and gunslinger flair. Depending on what you value, between arm strength, intelligence, championships or risk-taking, any of those might deserve a spot on your personal top-five list.
Final thoughts
When you think about what it means to be a truly great quarterback, it’s ultimately about impact, leadership and the ability to define an era. Tom Brady exemplifies the highest peaks of winning. Joe Montana offers unmatched calm under fire. Patrick Mahomes is a bridge to the sport’s future, constantly innovating. Peyton Manning proves how brilliant a signal-caller can be when his mind is as sharp as his arm. Johnny Unitas laid the groundwork for all that followed. Today, these five transformed the game and their legacies continue to influence every quarterback who picks up the ball.
November 20th, 2025
By Stephen Juza
In February, the NFL will announce a slew of awards for top performing players and coaches. The award that carries the most prestige of any is the Most Valuable Player award (MVP). Today, we look at several top contenders for the award after the Week 11 games.
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Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams, Quarterback
First on our list is Rams quarterback Matt Stafford, fresh off a divisional win against the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran quarterback is currently leading the NFL in passing touchdowns (27), with only one current starter throwing fewer interceptions than his two, and is coming off an efficient game against the Seahawks where he threw for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Stafford will continue his run for the MVP this week against NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their 22nd-ranked defense.
Drake Maye - New England Patriots, Quarterback
One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season is undoubtedly the New England Patriots, led by new head coach Mike Vrabel. After back-to-back last place finishes in the AFC East, the Patriots are not only leading the division, but tied with the best record in the NFL. Back in February, we ranked Vrabel as the second-best head coaching hire of the season. At the time, we called out his hire of Josh McDaniels as one of the best decisions he could have made, and it has paid dividends for Drake Maye.
Across the board, Maye is outperforming his rookie year. He has already surpassed his touchdown passes and passing yards from last year, has cut his interception rate in half, and has certainly shown the promise behind his third-overall draft pick in 2024. His last game was a 27-14 victory over the bottom-feeding New York Jets, where he threw for 281 yards on 25-34 passing, with a single touchdown pass.
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, Running Back
Our lone player on the list that is not a quarterback, Jonathan Taylor is having a great season for a running back. He’s leading the league in rushing yards (1,139). Additionally, he has more than twice the rushing touchdowns as the next back on the list (15 touchdowns). Taylor averages 114 yards a game, which puts him on pace for a 1,938 yard season. One big game on the season puts him on pace for the tenth 2,000 rushing yard season in NFL history. Taylor and the Colts will travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs this week.
Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills, Quarterback
The reigning MVP is having a down year compared to his last few seasons, but the Bills are still in prime playoff position behind his arm and legs. After five consecutive AFC East titles, it looks like that could be coming to an end as the Patriots have a two-game lead in the division. However, Allen certainly had an MVP-statement game this week against the Atlanta Falcons. Allen led the Bills to victory with six total touchdowns - three through the air and three more on the ground - that let them keep pace in the division. Allen is also the only quarterback who has multiple 3 passing / 3 rushing touchdowns in a single game - the only other player with one is Otto Graham.
The Bills will need Allen at his best when they have a short week against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football this week.
The Field
While this award has generally morphed into a QB-specific award, there are many other contenders if their team finishes strong. Perennial candidate Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are having a disappointing year by their standards, currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs this January. Additionally, Jared Goff went from MVP candidate to below-the-fold after his worst game of the year on Sunday, a loss that dropped the team out of the playoff seeding. There is also still room for a dark-horse contender with a surprise playoff run out of Caleb Williams or Sam Darnold.
November 19th, 2025
By Stephen Juza
With the conclusion of Week 11, we look at the NFC playoff picture and a few of the surprises that are in store for the final seven weeks of the season. There was quite a bit of movement this week, as five of the seven playoff teams moved up or down. And while the NFL playoff seeding is heating up, you can also check the College Football odds for their own playoff race.
#1 - Philadelphia Eagles
The defending champions are still leading the way after a close win over the Detroit Lions. The Eagles won at home against last year’s #1 seed, and while their offense is still loaded with firepower, it’s the defense that has been putting on a fantastic display. They held the second-ranked offense to a season low nine points, while holding quarterback Jared Goff almost 40% below his season completion percentage (14/37). The Eagles continue their title defense this week against the 3-5-1 Dallas Cowboys.
#2 - Chicago Bears (+4)
The Bears continued their surprising season with their third straight victory to move them to 7-3. They secured this victory with a walk-off field goal against the division rival Minnesota Vikings to win the game 19-17. After the Vikings scored their own go-ahead touchdown with 50 seconds remaining, the Bears winning field goal was set up by a massive 56-yard kickoff return by Devin Duvernay that had the Bears in field goal range from their first snap. The Bears will continue their playoff hunt next week at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
#3 - Los Angeles Rams (+2)
The Rams moved into first place in the NFC West this week with a 21-19 victory over division rival Seattle Seahawks. This game came down to red zone execution, with the Rams offense converting three of their four red zone trips into touchdowns, while holding the Seahawks to mostly field goals all day long. The new division leaders will play host to NFC South-leading Tampa Bay this week.
#4 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The final division leader is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-3. Competing in the NFC South, the Buccaneers have by far the easiest road to the playoffs from this point in the season, with only two teams remaining on their schedule with a winning record. If things hold steady, the team will win their fifth straight NFC South title after having never won back-to-back before the current run.
#5 - Seattle Seahawks (-3)
The Seahawks dropped a key game in their playoff destiny when they lost 19-21 against the Rams. While they are now competing for a wild card spot, they have three games coming up where they will have a good opportunity to get back on a winning track. Next week, they will travel to Nashville to take on the 1-9 Titans, followed by hosting the 4-6 Vikings, then to Atlanta for the 3-7 Falcons. If they are able to take care of business against these non-playoff teams, they have a great opportunity to move back into first place.
#6 - Green Bay Packers (+1)
Rounding out the playoff field is the third NFC North team in the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers had a nail-biter of a win this last week against the New York Giants and new interim head coach Mike Kafka. The 27-20 victory against the Giants was sealed in the last minute of the game when Evan Williams intercepted a Jameis Winston pass in the end zone. The win moves the Packers to 6-3-1 and will host division rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.
#7 - San Francisco 49ers (+1)
Moving up into the playoff seeding is the San Francisco 49ers after an impressive 41-22 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. In quarterback Brock Purdy’s return from a turf-toe injury, the team put up their most points of the season. Behind Purdy’s three passing touchdowns and Christian McCaffrey’s two rushing touchdowns, the offense was clicking on all cylinders against the reeling Cardinals, who have now lost six times in their last seven games. The 49ers will continue their playoff hunt this week against the Carolina Panthers.