NFL MVP Race

As the NFL regular season comes to a close, the race for Most Valuable Player (MVP) is intensifying; multiple players emerge as legitimate candidates. Players spanning several positions have cemented their place in the MVP discussion.

Honorable Mention

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, despite arguably having the worst season of his career, remains competitive in the MVP race. Mahomes ranks fourth in passing yards and third in total quarterback rating, but the Chiefs’ 6–8 record brings his odds down. He is also tied 28th for most interceptions at 11 and has thrown an insignificant 22 passing touchdowns. The Chiefs have struggled against stronger teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and the Denver Broncos. These losses reflect issues with the entire team, but they still ultimately fall on Mahomes; how he’s been playing; and his ability to lead the team. Unlike a deserving MVP, he has not always been the reason for their wins, yet he has definitely been a factor in their losses. The Chiefs’ recent elimination from the playoffs also reduces Mahomes’ likelihood of winning the award. 

Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has thrown approximately 3,300 yards and has 37 total touchdowns: 25 passing and 12 rushing. While his quarterback rating is the sixth-best in the league, it may not be enough to solidify himself a spot as MVP. His 10 interceptions are also notable. Allen has led the Bills to a strong 10–4 record, but he has been inconsistent at times. Allen had five games where he threw under 200 yards and three games with two interceptions, two of which they lost against the Houston Texans and the below-average Atlanta Falcons. His inconsistency is ultimately what keeps him behind other players in the running.

Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor would be the first non-quarterback to win MVP since Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2012. With three games left in the season, Taylor currently has 16 rushing touchdowns and around 1,500 rushing yards. Reaching the 2,000-yard mark for Taylor seems unlikely, but his production has nevertheless been impressive. Taylor also has 318 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, with only two fumbles all season. However, Taylor and the Colts as a whole have been struggling lately, which has weakened his case for MVP. Taylor will need to have a strong finish to the season if he hopes to bring the award home. 

Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is only in his second year and could already win MVP. Maye has thrown around 3,600 passing yards, is fifth in the league, and holds the third-best quarterback rating. Beyond stats, he has also managed to elevate the Patriots, a team that was 4-13 last year and predicted at the start of the season to be average, to be the second-best record in the league at 11–3. Analysts have also complimented Maye’s strong season for MVP. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said, “Drake Maye is playing quarterback just about as good as anybody with the least amount of help around him when it comes to talent.” There isn’t much to criticize about Drake Maye’s season, but there are two players who present even stronger cases.

Matthew Stafford

The most deserving player for MVP of the 2025-2026 NFL season is the Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He leads the league in passing touchdowns this season at 37. Stafford has also achieved this passing milestone efficiently with only five interceptions. He has consistently performed throughout the season and put together a three-game streak of four passing touchdowns or more and only throwing under two passing touchdowns in two games. He also has the fourth-highest passer rating in the league. Currently, Stafford has the highest odds to win MVP. The victory would tie him for the third-oldest MVP in NFL history, entering him into a distinguished class with legendary quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning.  

As the regular season approaches its end, the MVP race remains competitive. Team success, consistency, and momentum for teams in these final rounds will ultimately shape the final decision. Until then, the fight for the MVP award rages on.