What's Wright - Best Of - Brock Purdy & 49ers SUPER BOWL bound? Stafford vs. Maye MVP, NFL Week 18 Picks

Welcome to the weekly highlights of What’s Right with Nick Wright, the sharpest takes and moments from the show—enjoy.

Bijan shredded the Rams, Stafford slipped on the MVP board, and Drake May surged; how much did last night shake up the race?

I think Drake May just grabbed MVP, and I hate that it’s becoming a who’s hottest in December award instead of a season-long one; from wire to wire I’d give it to Stafford, who leads in yards, has a big edge in touchdowns, far fewer sacks, and the same picks, even if May’s passer rating is slightly higher.

We still have Week 18—does that keep it open at all?

Technically yes, but we’re rewarding the late heater; Stafford’s done it against a brutal schedule and was spectacular against Seattle, while May’s five-touchdown night came versus the Jets, so my vote stays with Stafford even if the betting market says it’s over.

One special teams lapse against Rashid Shaheed might have cost Stafford the one seed, the MVP, and maybe Hall of Fame momentum; now the Rams’ seed depends on Niners-Seahawks, and if they’re locked into six it probably means cold road games, though on a neutral field I still like them against anyone.

Brock Purdy just stacked monster games without all his guys—are we reopening the system-quarterback conversation?

I’ve said for years that almost any solid starter thrives in Shanahan’s setup—Jimmy G won, Mr. Irrelevant elevated, and even Mac Jones looked good—so while Purdy’s been excellent, the season’s real headliners are Shanahan and McCaffrey, and I’m not convinced his current level is sustainable enough to justify a huge payday by itself.

Coach of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year—who you got?

Kyle Shanahan for Coach of the Year and Christian McCaffrey for Offensive Player of the Year, easily.

How live are the Niners for the one seed and a real run, and any issue with the Sunday night slot?

I’m fine with the prime-time pick, and while I don’t love their defense for a title, if they secure the bye and keep everything in Santa Clara, the offense plus McCaffrey gives them a real shot; also, we’ll circle back because Lamar looks banged up.

Let’s fire off your Week 18 card.

I’m on Tampa to avoid a sad exit, Seattle to grab the one seed, Vegas with the points against a sputtering Chiefs offense, Miami catching a big number in the cold, and Pittsburgh as a home dog in a field-goal game—those are my five, let’s ride.