Who’s leading the 2025 NFL MVP race? Here are the top 5 contenders

Quarterbacks continue to run away with MVP support, and 2025 is looking no different. The NFL's MVP award was given to a quarterback in 2024. That is a trend likely to repeat itself in 2025, with top-notch signal-callers again set to head up the pack. Here is a breakdown of the top five NFL MVP contenders heading into the 2025 season. Josh Allen took home his first-ever MVP in 2024. He broke a season record with 28 passing touchdowns, 12 rushing touchdowns, and even one receiving touchdown. Having the foundation established and Allen in his prime years, Bills' QB is a sure bet to return to back again in 2025. Joe Burrow topped the league for passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) while having only nine interceptions. He also set a record of eight games in a row with 250+ passing yards and 3+ touchdown passes. With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins still in town, Burrow has the pieces to equal or exceed last season's output—but consistency with the team will be the deciding issue. One of the biggest breakout stars of 2024, Jayden Daniels, led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his first season. Now entering Year 2, he's equipped with even more firepower: wide receiver Deebo Samuel, stud tackle Laremy Tunsil, and first-round OT Josh Conerly Jr. Daniels' dual-threat dynamic—paired with a rising Washington club—makes him the true dark horse MVP contender. If the Commanders can win the NFC East, Daniels could be the youngest MVP since Lamar Jackson. Already a two-time MVP, Lamar Jackson arguably played his best season to date in 2024—better even than his 2019 or 2023 MVP seasons. He passed for 4,172 yards and 41 TDs with only four interceptions and ran for 916 yards, the first QB in NFL history to pass for 4,000+ and run for 900+ in a single season.Despite having a "down year" on paper, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to overtime in their third consecutive Super Bowl. The elephant in the room is the offensive line, especially following All-Pro guard Joe Thuney's exit. If Mahomes can lead a rebuilt unit by huge numbers and continue to win, MVP voters will take notice. Unless a non-quarterback has a record-breaking season, in 2025, the NFL MVP will most likely go to another quarterback. The battle between Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jayden Daniels is going to dominate headlines.Also read: Cam Newton slams Shedeur Sanders over reckless speeding, warns NFL rookies of life-threatening choicesAs always, both the MVP honor and the giving of it won't strictly be number-driven—team performance, narrative, and availability will have enormous impacts. And with this many talented players in the mix, the 2025 MVP race already figures to be one of the most open in years.