The NFL MVP award is the most prestigious individual honor in football, recognizing the most outstanding player each season. While quarterbacks have historically dominated, this year’s race has seen fierce competition from multiple positions.
With record-breaking performances, surprise contenders, and a few unexpected disappointments, the 2024-25 MVP race has kept fans and analysts debating all season long. Let’s break down the top candidates.
Quarterbacks have historically dominated the MVP award. Legends like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers have won multiple times, proving how crucial the position is in today’s game. However, non-QBs like Adrian Peterson (2012) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006) have also broken through when their performances were undeniable.
2022 MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) – Led Kansas City to another Super Bowl run
2021 MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers) – Back-to-back MVP seasons with elite efficiency
2020 MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers) – Dominated statistically with 48 TDs and only 5 INTs
This season, several players have made strong cases for the MVP title, but only one will take home the trophy. Before we break down the leading contenders, let’s look at how this year’s MVP race has shaped up.
As the season nears its end, a handful of players have emerged as the strongest candidates for the MVP title. While quarterbacks continue to lead the race, a few non-QB contenders have made a serious case for recognition.
The MVP award has always favored quarterbacks, and this year is no different. These signal-callers have been at the center of their teams’ success:
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) – Once again proving why he’s among the best, Mahomes has carried the Chiefs despite roster challenges, leading the league in total touchdowns.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) – A dual-threat force, Jackson has dominated with his arm and legs, keeping Baltimore at the top of the AFC.
Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) – A key reason for the Eagles’ success, Hurts has delivered in crucial moments, making him a strong MVP candidate.
Although quarterbacks dominate the conversation, a few standout performances from other positions have made this year’s MVP debate more interesting:
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) – Leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, McCaffrey has been the engine of the 49ers’ offense.
Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins) – With game-breaking speed and unmatched production, Hill has been a nightmare for defenses, putting up historic numbers.
Defensive players rarely win MVP, but a few names have made an undeniable impact:
Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) – A dominant force on the defensive line, Garrett has racked up sacks and game-changing plays.
Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys) – A relentless pass rusher, Parsons has disrupted offenses all season long.
While quarterbacks remain favorites, this season’s performances from non-QBs have added intrigue to the MVP conversation.
Every NFL season brings surprises, but a few players exceeded expectations and turned into legitimate stars in 2024-25. Whether it was a young talent stepping up or an underrated player proving their worth, these names left their mark on the season.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) – The rookie quarterback silenced all doubts, leading the Texans to playoff contention while putting up elite numbers. His poise and decision-making have made him one of the best young QBs in the league.
Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams) – Despite being a late-round pick, Nacua emerged as one of the most productive wide receivers, shattering rookie records and becoming a go-to target for Matthew Stafford.
Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions) – The rookie tight end quickly became a reliable weapon in the Lions' offense, making big plays and showing veteran-level consistency.
Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) – Many doubted whether Purdy could continue his success, but he proved he’s more than just a system quarterback by leading the 49ers with elite efficiency.
Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams) – Taking over the Rams’ backfield, Williams became one of the top rushers in the league, surprising many with his consistency and explosiveness.
DaRon Bland (Dallas Cowboys) – The defensive back made history with a record-setting number of pick-sixes, showing that Dallas has a future star in its secondary.
These breakout stars didn’t just put up big numbers—they played key roles in their teams’ success and shifted the league’s narrative. Some even found themselves in MVP conversations.
Not every star lived up to the hype this season. Whether it was due to injuries, poor performances, or team struggles, a few big names failed to meet expectations.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Expected to be a top MVP contender, Allen struggled with turnovers and inconsistency, making it hard for the Bills to dominate in a competitive AFC.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) – A preseason favorite for MVP, Burrow’s campaign was derailed by injuries, forcing the Bengals to rely on backups in crucial games.
Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) – Despite having an elite arm, Herbert and the Chargers’ offense never found the rhythm, leading to another disappointing season.
Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Many expected Lawrence to take another leap but struggles with accuracy and decision-making kept the Jaguars from being true contenders.
Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets) – His highly anticipated debut with the Jets lasted just four snaps before a season-ending Achilles injury crushed New York’s playoff hopes.
Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns) – One of the league’s best running backs suffered a devastating knee injury early in the season, leaving a major hole in Cleveland’s offense.
Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens) – A key target for Lamar Jackson, Andrews’ absence late in the season made the Ravens’ passing attack less dynamic.
This season proved once again that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. Injuries and inconsistencies can derail even the most promising MVP candidates.
Statistics often tell the real story behind an MVP season. While wins and highlight plays matter, the numbers show who truly dominated in 2024-25. Let’s break down the key stats that define this year’s MVP candidates.
Quarterbacks have been the driving force behind most MVP seasons. Here’s how this year’s top contenders stack up:
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) – Despite a challenging season with a weaker receiving core, Mahomes still put up elite numbers in total yards and clutch plays.
Lamar Jackson (Ravens) – Showcased his dual-threat ability, finishing among the league’s top passers while also ranking high in rushing yards for a QB.
Jalen Hurts (Eagles) – Efficient passing combined with his ability to rush for touchdowns kept him in the MVP discussion all year.
While QBs get most of the attention, a few running backs and receivers posted MVP-worthy numbers:
Christian McCaffrey (49ers) – Led the league in rushing yards while also contributing heavily as a receiver, making him the most complete back in football.
Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) – On pace to break the single-season receiving yards record at one point, Hill was a nightmare for defenses all season.
A.J. Brown (Eagles) – Became a go-to target for Hurts, consistently putting up big plays and leading the Eagles’ passing attack.
While the MVP rarely goes to a defensive player, a few names stood out:
Myles Garrett (Browns) – Among the league leaders in sacks, constantly disrupting offenses and making game-changing plays.
Micah Parsons (Cowboys) – One of the most dominant defenders this season, racking up sacks and forced turnovers.
DaRon Bland (Cowboys) – Set an NFL record for pick-sixes, proving to be a game-changer in the secondary.
The stats show that this year’s MVP race isn’t just about quarterbacks—several non-QBs made historic impacts. But will the voters recognize them?
An MVP isn’t just about personal stats—they elevate their team, turn losses into wins, and deliver in high-pressure moments. This season, a few names stood out for their ability to carry their teams when it mattered most.
Lamar Jackson (Ravens) – Baltimore finished as one of the AFC’s top teams, largely due to Jackson’s leadership and ability to take over games with both his arm and legs. Without him, the Ravens wouldn’t be serious contenders.
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) – Despite a shaky receiving corps, Mahomes kept Kansas City in the mix, proving once again that as long as he’s on the field, the Chiefs are a Super Bowl threat.
Christian McCaffrey (49ers) – A massive reason for San Francisco’s offensive success, McCaffrey consistently provided big plays and game-winning performances.
MVPs show up when it matters most. These players delivered in crucial moments:
Jalen Hurts (Eagles) vs. Bills – Led a game-winning drive in overtime, showcasing his ability to stay cool under pressure.
Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) vs. Chiefs – Torched his former team with a record-setting performance, proving his elite status.
Brock Purdy (49ers) vs. Cowboys – Played a near-flawless game, dismantling a top defense and proving he’s more than just a system QB.
This season proved that MVP candidates aren’t just great—they make their teams better and come through when everything is on the line.
The MVP debate is heating up, and while several players have built strong cases, only one will take home the award. Analysts, fans, and former players have all weighed in, but opinions remain divided.
NFL analysts have offered different takes on who deserves the MVP title this season:
Many favor Lamar Jackson for his ability to dominate as both a passer and runner while leading the Ravens to one of the league’s best records.
Patrick Mahomes remains in the conversation due to his clutch performances and ability to win despite a weaker supporting cast.
Christian McCaffrey’s all-around impact has made him a rare non-QB contender, but history suggests he faces an uphill battle for MVP recognition.
Tyreek Hill’s record-breaking pace was eye-opening, but midseason injuries slowed his momentum.
While experts break down stats and performances, fans have their own take on the MVP race:
Some argue that the award is too quarterback-focused, pointing out that McCaffrey and Hill had seasons that were just as valuable.
Social media polls and debates have shown strong support for Jackson, as his highlight-reel plays and leadership have defined Baltimore’s success.
Mahomes’ reputation as the league’s best quarterback keeps him in the conversation, but some feel this season wasn’t his most dominant.
With no clear front-runner, the MVP decision will come down to how voters weigh team success, individual stats, and overall impact.
With so many deserving candidates, this season’s MVP race is one of the closest in recent memory. While each player has a strong case, only one will walk away with the award.
Lamar Jackson – Led the Ravens to one of the best records while delivering highlight plays every week. His dual-threat ability kept defenses guessing all season long.
Patrick Mahomes – Overcame offensive struggles to keep the Chiefs competitive, proving once again why he’s the face of the league.
Christian McCaffrey – The most dominant non-QB in the race, leading the NFL in all-purpose yards while carrying the 49ers’ offense.
Tyreek Hill – Changed the way defenses played against the Dolphins, showing how much of a game-changer he truly is.
History suggests that quarterbacks have the best chance of winning MVP. That gives Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes the edge, with Jackson having a slight advantage due to Baltimore’s success and his all-around impact.
If voters finally break the QB bias, Christian McCaffrey could be the first non-quarterback to win MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012. However, the odds remain against him.
The MVP conversation doesn’t end here. Several young stars have already positioned themselves as future contenders:
C.J. Stroud is proving that he could be a future MVP candidate after an incredible rookie season.
Brock Purdy continues to impress, and with a strong supporting cast, he could enter the race next year.
Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence have the talent but need to put together a more consistent season.
Whoever wins this year’s MVP will join an elite club, but the race for next season’s MVP starts the moment the Super Bowl ends.
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