Top 10 NFL MVP Candidates: Ranked

September 25, 2025 Kris Isaksen

As we head into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, the MVP race is already heating up. While some familiar faces continue to shine, a few unexpected stars—especially from the undefeated Indianapolis Colts—have stormed into the conversation. From defensive dominance to breakout offensive brilliance, here are the top 10 MVP contenders so far, counted down from 10 to 1.

10. Rashan Gary – Quietly Dominant on a Stacked Defense

While Micah Parsons gets most of the attention in Green Bay, it’s Rashan Gary who leads the league in sacks. With 4.5 sacks and four tackles for loss, Gary anchors a Packers defense allowing just 14.7 points per game, the fewest in the NFL.

9. Patrick Mahomes – Still Elite, Even at 1–2

The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a rocky start, but Mahomes is doing all he can to steady the ship. With 669 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two rushing scores, he remains one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers despite a flawed supporting cast.

8. Myles Garrett – A Force Off the Edge

Myles Garrett is making his massive extension look like a bargain, leading the NFL in tackles for loss with seven. Facing constant double and triple teams, he’s still disrupting opposing offenses and keeping Cleveland’s playoff hopes alive.

7. Puka Nacua – The NFL’s New Receiving King

Puka Nacua leads the league in both receptions and receiving yards, driving a Rams offense that’s off to a hot start. Despite a heartbreaking loss to the Eagles, Nacua’s emergence has Los Angeles thinking playoffs once again.

6. Lamar Jackson – Carrying Baltimore on His Back

Lamar Jackson is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, even as the Ravens struggle defensively. His 288 passing yards and three touchdowns against Detroit show he’s still capable of magic, though Baltimore’s 1–2 record is holding him back.

5. Baker Mayfield – Leading the Unbeaten Bucs

Baker Mayfield has brought stability to Tampa Bay, completing over 61% of his passes for 615 yards and six touchdowns. With a 3–0 record and the sixth-best QBR in the NFL, he’s quietly putting together a strong MVP case.

4. Daniel Jones – A Stunning Career Turnaround

Now with the Colts, Daniel Jones looks like a completely new quarterback. He's completed 71.6% of his passes for 816 yards and three touchdowns, while adding three rushing scores, leading the 3–0 Colts to the best point differential in the league.

3. Jonathan Taylor – The Colts’ True Engine

While Jones has been impressive, Jonathan Taylor remains the heartbeat of Indy’s offense. With a league-best 338 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and another score through the air, Taylor is central to the Colts’ dominant play-action system.

2. Justin Herbert – Finally Hitting His Peak

Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards and has helped the Chargers notch three big wins against division rivals. With a solid coaching staff and more comfort in Greg Roman’s offense, Herbert is taking that long-awaited leap from star to superstar.

1. Josh Allen – The MVP Front-Runner Once Again

Josh Allen’s Week 1 masterpiece against the Ravens set the tone, and he hasn’t looked back. With a 69.7% completion rate, 755 passing yards, and five touchdowns with no picks, he’s guiding the 3–0 Bills like a man on a mission to repeat.