Anyone who pays attention to the NFL knows that the MVP award is the best award a player can receive. It means that they were the best player that year when it came to the entire league. They provided major contribution stop their team’s success. That being said, the MVP is also known as a quarterback award. With Quarterback being one of if not the most important position, the MVP seems to go to one every year. There have been exceptions though, like Adrian Peterson or LeDainian Tomlinson. If that were to happen again this year, what players have a chance at the MVP ?
Minnesota Vikings WR – Justin Jefferson
It’s no surprise that the 4x pro bowler, 2x first team all-pro, 2x second team all-pro, and 2022 offensive player of the year is the first on this list. Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the league. He has the most career receiving yards per game in NFL history so far. Last season Justin had 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. Numbers like those mixed with the Vikings themselves looking like a NFC contender should make his case competitive. The only worry I’d have about Jefferson’s production is with a rookie QB at the helm of this team now. Jefferson’s impact relies heavily on J.J. McCarthy, so it all depends on how much you trust him.
LA Rams WR – Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua is an extremely talented receiver going into his third year in the league. This is more of a dark house pick than anything, but I trust his extreme talent. Nacua missed 6 games last season and still put up 79 receptions for 990 yards and 3 touchdowns. He missed the 1,00 0 mark by only 10 yards after missing 6 games. That’s a statement to the type of player Puka is. Nacua’s situation is also very good for his targets. No more Cooper Kupp and a veteran Stafford passing him the ball makes me think he will have a breakout year. If he can put up crazy numbers as the true number one and and help the Rams win the division, Puka Nacua could be a legitimate MVP candidate.
Philadelphia Eagles RB – Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley has been a premiere running back since coming into the league. Barkley exploded in his first season with the Eagles being named offensive player of the year and leading the team to a Superbowl victory. Being off of the unstable New York Giants let him have a historic year. 2,005 yards with 5.8 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns. Saquon was on a level of his own this last year and that led him to finishing 3rd in MVP voting. As a running back that is a crazy accolade to have. With the Eagles still being one of the best offenses in the league, I expect Barkley to continue this production. Barkley can have an even slightly better year statistically and help the Eagles stay on top of the NFC. He really has a true chance to watch up a MVP award.
Cincinnati Bengals WR – Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase is coming off of a historic Wide Receiver season as he got a triple crown. The first to do so since Cooper Kupp in 2021. With MVP Candidate Joe Burrow throwing Chase the ball he racked up 127 catches with 1,708 yards and 17 scores. He would’ve been a shoe in for offensive player of the year if Saquon didn’t also have a historically great season. Chase has the talent to put up crazy numbers each season. The only thing stopping him is the Bengals’ lack of success. Even with an explosive offense the team went 8-9, missing the playoffs. To win MVP Chase needs his team to perform well and at least in the division. That mixed with the fact he has other good weapons around him who take some of his targets leaves some worry for his actual chances.
Detroit Lions RB – Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs is a young speedy back behind a top 3 O-line with a heavy run game playbook. Gibbs has all of the tools around him to be the standout star for the Lions. In 2024 he had 250 carries for 1,412 yards, 5.6 yards a carry, and 16 touchdowns. That kind of production is rare in the NFL and Gibbs is only projected to get better. I think with the success the Lions have as a team, they have a good shot as having a MVP Candidate on their roster. With how good Jahmyr is and will continue to be I don’t see why that can’t be him. The only setback is splitting the runs with David Montgomery, who himself had a good year. Montgomery is coming off an injury and could be eased into the lineup, which will give Gibbs more opportunities to shine.
