As the NFL season heats up, the MVP race is starting to take shape, and as usual, the favorites are familiar names. Currently, at DraftKings, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens are tied as the top contenders, both of whom have previously claimed the prestigious award. No shocker there, given their stellar performances in recent seasons.
However, not all eyes are on the obvious favorites. Despite strong odds for the likes of Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Jayden Daniels—all below +1000—there is a host of intriguing players further down the list who may emerge as dark horses in the MVP conversation. Here’s a look at five candidates who could pull off a surprise campaign this year.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (+1700)
Jalen Hurts is undeniably talented, but his depth chart may have overshadowed his past accomplishments. In 2024, he was the fifth-highest-rated passer, racking up a total of 32 touchdowns. Still, only 18 of those came through the air, and his signature “tush push” play might not be winning any MVP votes. If Hurts can elevate his passing stats, particularly his total touchdowns, he could easily find himself back in the MVP conversation.
Injuries to key players could also create an opportunity for him. Hurts showed resilience, especially in the latter part of the season, throwing 26 total touchdowns with just one interception and achieving a 114.0 passer rating in his final 11 games. He was clutch when it mattered most, with the highest fourth-quarter passer rating in one-score games among regular starters. If he can build on this momentum, a first MVP award could be in the cards for the determined 26-year-old.
Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love (+2500)
Jordan Love’s season trajectory suggests significant potential. He dazzled with a 119.9 passer rating during a five-game stretch towards the end of 2024. If he can replicate that level of performance consistently over a larger sample size, he could easily crash the MVP party.
The arrival of a first-round receiver, Matthew Golden, should provide a substantial boost. Last season, Love endured challenges as one of the most affected quarterbacks in terms of dropped passes. With only two full seasons under his belt, there’s still ample opportunity for growth. With a solid deep-ball passer rating of 105.7, the time is ripe for Love to ascend the ranks, especially with a strong supporting cast.
Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix (+3500)
As a rookie first-round pick, Bo Nix made quite an impression in his debut season. Over the last three games of 2024, he notched an impressive 126.0 passer rating, throwing nine touchdowns to just one interception. Across the final ten games, he accumulated 24 touchdowns against seven picks for a respectable 105.7 rating, despite being hampered by a less-than-stellar supporting cast.
Now with a year of experience and a young but promising receiving corps, Nix seems poised to take substantial strides forward in 2025. If he can leverage this improvement and lead the Broncos in the competitive AFC West, he could easily find himself in the MVP mix.
New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley (+5000)
While it’s typical for MVP victories to favor quarterbacks—every winner over the last twelve years has been a signal-caller—Saquon Barkley made a significant statement last season. He secured the third spot in the MVP voting behind Allen and Jackson. The synergy between Barkley and Hurts may complicate things, but there’s room for both to shine, especially if circumstance allows.
Barkley was a force in 2024, rushing for over 2,000 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. In the playoffs, he added 574 yards and five more scores. If Hurts were to miss time, all eyes could turn to Barkley, especially if he can chase down Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. If he accomplishes that feat, he could become the first running back to bag the MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
As we look ahead, the path to MVP glory remains open for these players, each with a unique narrative that could tilt the odds in their favor. Whether it’s building on a strong finish or rising to meet new challenges, the race is far from set in stone.
