The 2025 NFL MVP Race Is Still Wide-Open
The NFL MVP race is the closest it’s been in a long time. Currently, there is no clear frontrunner, but multiple players are on the cusp. For the first time in almost a decade, we are looking at a potential non-quarterback MVP. The race is not over yet, and there are still some favorites that, with eight weeks of football left, might make their case.
Drake Maye
Drake Maye’s sophomore year is everything and more. Surprisingly, the Patriots are leading their division 9-2. In a division with the Buffalo Bills, Super Bowl hopefuls, and the reigning MVP, they stand at the top. Maye is currently leading the NFL in passing yards with 2,836, 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions, and a 71% completion rate. The former Tarheel was drafted third overall in 2024, in a strong quarterback class that included Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. Williams and Daniels both went ahead of Maye, but if Maye wins an MVP in his second season, he will easily be crowned the best quarterback in the class. The former third overall pick is doing everything needed to win an MVP. He has the stats, and his team is winning games. There is a definite case for Maye, and if the Patriots keep winning, it’ll be hard to ignore his case.
Matthew Stafford
Long-time veteran and Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford has a robust case for the MVP this year. Stafford ranks fourth in passing yards this season with 2,427. What's even more impressive is his 25 touchdowns to two interceptions. Only two interceptions are an absurd number, considering his 310 passing attempts and 67% completion percentage. The former Bulldog is leading all quarterbacks in touchdown passes, and every quarterback with fewer than two interceptions, except Baker Mayfield, is either below 300 passing attempts or has not played a full season. Stafford is playing lights out football 16th season. The former Lion absolutely deserves the MVP if he keeps up this level of play and the Rams keep winning, currently 8-2. He is my personal second-favorite to win the NFL MVP Award, as Stafford is approaching the end of his football career. An MVP would be a fantastic send-off.
Patrick Mahomes
Run from, hide from him; it doesn’t matter, Patrick Mahomes is inevitable. Despite a rough start to the season, the Chiefs are rolling again. Mahomes is again playing at the level of play we all expect from him at this point. A two-time MVP already, Mahomes’ turnaround has him fifth in passing yards at 2,349, with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions, and a 64% completion rate. More importantly, the Chiefs are winning games, the second most crucial part of the MVP equation. Currently 5-4, Mahomes does receive some special treatment due to his previous accomplishments. Despite their most recent loss to the Bills, the Chiefs are heating up, and for Mahomes to lock up another MVP, the Chiefs will need to go on a run.
Jonathan Taylor
I’ll keep this one short. Jonathan Taylor is playing out of his mind. Currently at 1,139 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, he stands head and shoulders above the rest. The league is due for a non-quarterback MVP. Taylor is the prime candidate after his Week 10 showing. Rushing for 244 yards and three touchdowns, Taylor iced the game in overtime with a walk-off touchdown. There isn’t much else to say that hasn’t already been said. He’s a dog and my MVP.
