The National Football League (NFL) most valuable player (MVP) race is a toss-up this season and could go to one of three candidates. The league hasn’t seen a race this tight since the early 2000s. Many are speculating about the possibility of a co-MVP award, similar to 2003 when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the honor. All questions will be answered on Feb. 6, when the winner is announced just days before the Super Bowl.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mention #3: Sam Darnold (Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings)

Sam Darnold’s career resurgence is one of the season’s most surprising stories. After being labeled a bust as the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 draft by the New York Jets, Darnold bounced around as a backup for three different teams. However, the Minnesota Vikings took a chance on him after losing Kirk Cousins, and he delivered far beyond expectations. Paired with arguably the best wide receiver in the league, Justin Jefferson, Darnold has led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, the second-best in the National Football Conference (NFC). His stats are impressive: 4,319 passing yards (5th in the league), 36 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He had a very bad wild card game losing to the Rams where he had multiple interceptions thrown and was holding onto the ball too long causing sacks. While his performance has been one that not even a die-hard Vikings fan would have believed in, it falls just short of the star power required for MVP contention.

Honorable Mention #2: Jared Goff (Quarterback, Detroit Lions)

Jared Goff continues solidifying his role as a leader for the Detroit Lions. Following a disappointing NFC Championship loss last season, Goff returned this year with vengeance, guiding the Lions to the top seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record. Statistically, Goff has had an excellent season, ranking second in passing yards with over 4,600 yards and fourth in passing touchdowns with 37. His connection with Amon-Ra St. Brown has only gotten better and Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery were dominating on the ground. He’s also limited his turnovers, throwing 12 interceptions in the regular season. Even being Super Bowl favorites, the underrated Washington Commanders with rookie phenom Jayden Daniel’s sent the Lions home in the divisional round. Goff turned the ball over 4 times this game which questions his abilities to step up in big games. While he’s been consistent and reliable, he lacks the explosive, highlight-reel plays that often define MVP winners.

Honorable Mention #1: Saquon Barkley (Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles)

The Eagles made one of the biggest free-agency moves of the season by signing Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants. Barkley’s talent had been underutilized in New York, but he has flourished in Philadelphia behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. Barkley rushed for just over 2,000 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and scored 13 rushing touchdowns in the regular season. He was also a receiving threat, with two receiving touchdowns and nearly nine yards per catch. In the previous Divisional round game against the Los Angeles Rams, he rushed for 196 yards and had 2 explosive breakaway touchdowns. He set a franchise record for rushing yards in a game with 255 earlier in the season, just 45 yards short of former MVP Adrian Peterson’s record and came within 100 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rushing record. However, his MVP chances were shot dead after he decided to sit out Week 18 to rest for the playoffs instead of going for the rushing record. 

Top MVP Candidates

Candidate #3: Joe Burrow (Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals)

Joe Burrow and Jamaar Chase have been carrying the laughing stock Cincinnati Bengals, leading the league in passing yards with 4,918 and throwing for 45 total touchdowns. His connection with star receiver Chase has been crucial, though Tee Higgins’ absence for five games and a struggling offensive line made Burrow’s achievements even more impressive. They made a good second-half comeback as they were one of the league leaders in not only points scored but also points given up. Despite his stellar individual performance, the Bengals fell short of making the playoffs after the Chiefs’ crucial Week 18 loss to the Denver Broncos. Burrow’s record is a significant factor working against his MVP odds; Vegas has him currently sitting at +10500, making his chances slim.

Candidate #2: Josh Allen (Quarterback, Buffalo Bills)

In any other season, Josh Allen might have been a lock for MVP. He led the Buffalo Bills to a 13-4 record, highlighted by a pivotal Week 13 victory over the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Allen’s passing numbers aren’t as impressive as other candidates—he ranks 14th in passing yards and 7th in passing touchdowns. However, his dual-threat capability as both a passer and rusher sets him apart. He didn’t put up very impressive stats in the recent divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens with under 130 passing yards. Now people are just wondering if he can finally beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship after losing to them in three playoff games in the past four years. One of his most memorable moments this season came when he caught his own pass for a touchdown, a highlight that will be remembered for years. Despite his leadership and highlight-reel plays, his overall statistics fall short compared to others in the race, but his record and bad defense keep him a possible lock for MVP. 

Candidate #1: Lamar Jackson (Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens)

Lamar Jackson is poised to win his third NFL MVP award, and for good reason. After starting the season 0-2, Jackson has led the Baltimore Ravens on an incredible winning streak to secure the AFC North title. The Ravens have only lost four games since Week 3, three of those being regular season games. Jackson’s dynamic play has been the key to their success. Jackson has thrown for 4,172 yards (6th in the league) and 41 touchdowns (2nd most), while only throwing four interceptions—a significant improvement from his past seasons. His dual-threat ability remains his most dangerous weapon, rushing for over 900 yards and scoring four rushing touchdowns. Defensive coordinators continue to struggle to contain Jackson, who is a nightmare for pass rushers. This recent weekend in a divisional game against the Buffalo Bills, he started the game shaky with two turnovers but ended up beating Allen in almost every statistical category. However they weren’t able to get the win after a crucial fumble from Ravens tight end (TE) Mark Andrew’s and a dropped pass from him on the game-tying two point conversion. When comparing Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, Allen is more of a commanding player and may be more valuable to the Bills, but he hasn’t had a strong enough passing season, unlike Jackson. Jackson’s combination of passing efficiency, rushing dominance and leadership make him the most deserving candidate for the 2025 NFL MVP award.