The Not So Close 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Race
The Offensive Player of the Year Award is all but locked up at this point. The only reason Jonthan Taylor won’t win OPOY is that he is a potential lock for the NFL MVP Award. He has a strong case to be this year’s MVP, but the NFL is quarterback-biased, most likely pushing Taylor for OPOY. I won’t spend too much time on Taylor, as so much has already been said about him. If Taylor captures an MVP, some standouts deserve the OPOY instead.
Christian McCaffery
Christian McCaffery is playing amazingly, being a do-it-all back. He is not just a running back; he is a football player. McCaffery transcends what you expect out of the traditional running back; he’s a third-down back, between-the-tackles, finesse, bruiser, and pass catcher. There’s not much he can’t do. The 49ers' season has not gone according to plan, and numerous injuries have derailed what they expected to be a Super Bowl season. Despite all of the roadblocks, the 49ers are 7-4 and on the cusp of a potential playoff run. The former Cardinal can be credited with keeping the 49ers' offense productive and explosive. Through 11 weeks, McCaffery has 707 rushing yards with six rushing touchdowns. Those are just his rushing stats; his receiving stats are where things get wicked. McCaffery has been in the top 10 for receiving yards all season as a running back. Currently, he has 74 receptions with 732 receiving yards and five rushing touchdowns. These stats put McCaffery at 1,439 total scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns. Absurd numbers from a production standpoint. The former Panther deserves all the praise, and if it weren’t for Taylor, he would have his second OPOY locked up already.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
In his third year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is tearing the league up. He has burned every defense he has played against, including the stellar Texans defense. JSN has only recorded under 100 receiving yards three times this season, and under 80 only once, an absurd metric for what he has been doing this season. The former Buckeye leads his team with a 37% target share, which leads the league. Despite being the focal point of the offense, he continues to produce every week. Currently, he is leading the league in receiving yards with 1,146, 72 receptions, and five touchdowns. He has 238 more receiving yards than George Pickens, who is in second with 908 yards. JSN is arguably the best receiver in the league at this moment, and the triple crown is not out of reach.
Puka Nucua
Puka Nucua is a surprise that no one expected. The Rams drafted Nacua in the fifth round of the 2023 draft as a complementary piece, as their receiving room was losing firepower. Former triple crown winner and Super Bowl MVP, Cooper Kupp, hasn’t been the same since his fantastic season, after injuries have derailed his career. Nacua then exploded in his rookie season for 104 receptions, 1,486 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and was named to a Pro Bowl. After being shut down early in his sophomore season due to injury, he has picked up right where he left off. Despite missing a game this season, he is fourth in receiving yards with 850, 73 receptions, and four touchdowns. Puka’s most impressive stat is his catch percentage, at an other worldly 83%. He is currently ranked ninth with 87 targets. His missed time is what knocks him down a few spots, particularly behind JSN and McCaffery.
Conclusion
There are some great offensive players this year. Some other names that should be watched are Ja’Marr Chase, De’Von Achane, and James Cook, just to name a few. Unfortunately for everybody else, Taylor is having a fantastic season and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Whether Taylor is usurped remains to be seen, as the Colts are third in the AFC. If they continue to win, then there is no match.
