The 2025 NFL MVP Race: Four Stars, Four Stories Defining the Season

Nov 6, 2025, 3:55pm

Blog by Walker Johnson

The 2025 NFL season has delivered one of the most balanced and unpredictable MVP races in recent memory. There’s no runaway favorite, no statistical outlier separating himself from the pack — instead, four very different stars have risen to the top of the conversation.

From the maturing brilliance of Drake Maye to the steady dominance of Josh Allen, the redemption arc of Baker Mayfield, and the power-running revival led by Jonathan Taylor, this year’s MVP chase represents every kind of football greatness imaginable. Each player’s campaign tells something unique about the evolution of the league and what excellence looks like in 2025.

Drake Maye – The Franchise Cornerstone Arrives

The New England Patriots have been searching for their next true franchise quarterback since Tom Brady’s departure. In Drake Maye, they’ve finally found him.

After a promising rookie season that showed glimpses of elite potential, Maye has taken a massive leap forward in Year 2. He’s gone from intriguing young quarterback to full-blown star, combining precision, poise, and leadership well beyond his years. His command of the offense, timing in the pocket, and ability to make off-platform throws have turned New England’s offense into one of the AFC’s most efficient units.

Maye has also proven he can win in different ways. He’s just as comfortable leading a methodical, ball-control drive as he is orchestrating a quick-strike scoring series. Perhaps most impressively, he’s thriving under pressure with his third-down and red-zone efficiency rank among the league’s best.

Teammates and coaches praise his preparation and composure, and fans in Foxborough have fully bought into his leadership. The Patriots are back in the playoff hunt largely because of Maye’s evolution. If New England can sneak into the postseason, Maye’s sophomore surge could push him firmly into the MVP conversation as a living testament to how quickly he’s grown into one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Josh Allen – The Veteran Force of Nature

Every season, Josh Allen finds a way to remind everyone why he’s one of the most complete players in football. The Buffalo Bills’ franchise leader has once again put together an MVP-caliber campaign. Only this time, it feels more refined than ever.

Allen has been in total control of the offense, cutting down on turnovers while maintaining his trademark explosiveness. His decision-making has reached a new level, and he’s striking a balance between taking smart throws and unleashing his cannon arm when the opportunity arises.

Beyond the numbers, which remain elite, Allen’s leadership and stability have kept the Bills at the top of the AFC conversation. His chemistry with his receiving corps is electric, his efficiency in the red zone has improved, and his mobility continues to make him a nightmare for defenses.

He’s also been a tone-setter. Buffalo plays with Allen’s intensity: tough, resilient, and fearless. If the Bills claim another division title or secure a top seed in the AFC, Allen could capture another MVP trophy that was attained last season. His consistency and impact are too great to ignore.

Baker Mayfield – The Redemption Arc of 2025

If there’s one player who has rewritten his own career story this season, it’s Baker Mayfield.

Once counted out as a journeyman quarterback, Mayfield has silenced every critic in his path by leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to one of the NFC’s best records. He’s playing the most efficient, confident football of his career while displaying smart decisions, crisp throws, and a newfound calm in high-pressure moments.

Mayfield’s play has been crisp and calculated. He’s reading defenses better than ever, avoiding turnovers, and delivering in the clutch. His chemistry with his receivers has been outstanding, and his command of the offense has restored belief in Tampa Bay’s locker room. Mayfield’s resurgence isn’t built on flash. It’s built on growth. He’s not forcing plays or chasing highlight-reel moments; instead, he’s managing games like a seasoned veteran, spreading the ball around, and trusting the system.

It’s the kind of season that makes you root for the player. After bouncing between teams and weathering public scrutiny, Mayfield’s grit and determination have turned the Buccaneers into contenders. If he continues this pace and Tampa finishes strong, his comeback story could become one of the most memorable MVP campaigns of the modern era.

Jonathan Taylor – The Power of the Ground Game

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, running backs often feel like afterthoughts in MVP conversations, but Jonathan Taylor isn’t letting that narrative stand. The Indianapolis Colts star has reasserted himself as one of the most dominant offensive forces in football, reminding everyone that an elite ground game can still dictate outcomes.

Taylor leads the league in rushing yards and total touchdowns, powering the Colts’ offense week after week. His blend of vision, patience, and raw explosiveness makes him a nightmare to tackle. He’s been equally dangerous catching passes out of the backfield, giving Indianapolis balance and unpredictability that most teams can’t match.

Even more impressive is his endurance. In an era of running back rotations and load management, Taylor continues to shoulder the workload with consistency and his production never dips. He’s the engine that makes the Colts go, and his relentless style sets the tone for their entire offense.

If the Colts make a playoff run, Taylor could earn serious MVP attention as the rare non-quarterback to carry a team on his back. His season has been a throwback to the glory days of workhorse backs — and a reminder that greatness on the ground still matters.

413’s Outlook: The Stretch Run Will Decide It All

With the season entering its final stretch, this year’s MVP race remains wide open. Maye’s leadership surge has turned heads, Allen’s dominance continues to define the AFC, Mayfield’s redemption arc has captivated fans, and Taylor’s throwback brilliance has reenergized the running game.

If New England sneaks into the playoffs behind Maye’s poise, he could become one of the youngest MVPs ever. If Buffalo claims another division title behind Allen’s consistency, voters might finally reward his sustained greatness.

Either way, the 2025 MVP race has already done something special, and it’s reminded fans that there’s more than one way to be great. Whether through youth, resilience, power, or precision, these four stars have carried the NFL spotlight with pride and purpose all season long.