Top 14 Real NFL MVP Candidates for the 2025 Season

The NFL MVP race usually feels predictable: quarterbacks at the top, everyone else fighting for attention. But the 2025 season gave us a deeper, more nuanced conversation — one where value, not just wins, tells the real story.

From elite quarterbacks carrying flawed rosters to non-QBs putting up historically dominant seasons, here are the Top 14 true MVP candidates of 2025, ranked by impact, production, and importance to their teams.

1. Drake Maye — QB, Patriots

If “Most Valuable” actually means what it says, Maye deserves the award. He led the league in QBR, explosive plays, and efficiency while operating without elite weapons or protection. New England leaned heavily on him — and he delivered at an MVP level every week.

2. Dak Prescott — QB, Cowboys

Dallas didn’t win enough games, but Prescott wasn’t the problem. His efficiency, accuracy, and volume put him right behind Maye in value added. He carried an inconsistent roster and still produced elite quarterback numbers.

3. Matthew Stafford — QB, Rams

Stafford was spectacular, just not perfect. His arm talent powered one of the NFL’s best offenses, but heavy play-action support and elite receivers kept him from claiming the top spot. Still, a championship-level season.

4. Josh Allen — QB, Bills

Allen’s numbers weren’t eye-popping early, but his total impact was undeniable. His rushing value, durability, and leadership kept Buffalo competitive despite a thin receiving corps.

5. Jordan Love — QB, Packers

Quietly elite. Love ranked near the top in QBR and efficiency, avoided mistakes, and pushed the ball downfield — all while operating in a run-heavy offense that limited his volume.

6. Patrick Mahomes — QB, Chiefs

A “down year” by Mahomes standards is still an MVP-caliber season. Poor receiver play and injuries slowed him, but his scrambling value and efficiency kept Kansas City dangerous.

7. Justin Herbert — QB, Chargers

Behind the league’s worst pass protection, Herbert absorbed constant pressure and still produced. His scrambling growth and toughness stood out in a brutal environment.

8. Jaxon Smith-Njigba — WR, Seahawks

The most productive wide receiver in football. Smith-Njigba dominated every advanced metric, posted historic efficiency, and did it without elite quarterback play. WR1 in value among non-QBs.

9. Puka Nacua — WR, Rams

Volume monster. Nacua led the league in receptions, thrived even with another star receiver opposite him, and added massive value after the catch and as a blocker.

10. Myles Garrett — EDGE, Browns

Twenty-three sacks. Constant double teams. Historic production. Garrett was the most disruptive defender in football despite Cleveland’s struggles.

11. Will Anderson Jr. — EDGE, Texans

Garrett set the record, but Anderson was relentless all season. Elite pass-rush wins, strong run defense, and complete edge play made him a DPOY contender.

12. Micah Parsons — EDGE, Packers

Green Bay’s defense collapsed without him and surged with him. Parsons led the NFL in pressures and pass-rush wins, proving his value went far beyond sack totals.

13. Jeffery Simmons — DT, Titans

Dominance from the interior. Simmons thrived on a losing team, produced elite pressure rates, and was arguably the NFL’s best defensive tackle in 2025.

14. Kyle Hamilton — S, Ravens

The rare safety who changes everything. Baltimore’s defense collapsed without Hamilton and stabilized with him. His versatility made him irreplaceable.

Final Take

Quarterbacks still rule the MVP conversation — but 2025 reminded us that true value comes in many forms. Whether it was Maye redefining QB efficiency, receivers rewriting production records, or defenders breaking protections every snap, this season gave bettors and fans a deeper MVP debate than usual.

And if you’re looking ahead to futures markets? These names are the ones oddsmakers will remember. 🏈🔥