Who’s Really Leading the NFL MVP Race?
The NFL season is cruising by at lightning speed, and with Week 8 pretty much in the books, we’re nearing the halfway point. That also means the NFL MVP race is heating up fast, with several standout players making their case for the league’s most coveted individual award. From comeback kings to dominant playmakers, this year’s competition feels tighter than ever—and the numbers don’t lie. Let’s break down the top five frontrunners and why each deserves to sit atop the MVP conversation right now.
Top 5 NFL MVP Frontrunners
1) Drake Maye
The second-year QB Drake Maye was beginning to show up toward the end of last season, and it seems like he is picking up right where he left off. Through week 8, Drake Maye now leads the NFL in pass rating with a 118.7. In week 7, the second-year New England QB had a completion rate of 91.3%. This is a franchise record, topping Tom Brady’s previous completion percentage. Then in week 8, Drake Maye went absolutely nuclear!
He completed 18 of 24 passing attempts for 282 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 50 yards on seven carries. After securing a win over the Titans (32-13), the crowd could be heard chanting “MVP” and for good reason. If Drake Maye can continue his red-hot start and make a playoff push with the Pats, he is in line to be the next NFL MVP. Patriot fans should be thrilled as it seems like they finally have their next great quarterback, and this season, it could end up being their next great MVP-caliber quarterback.
2) Baker Mayfield
The former number one draft pick has finally found a place he can call home. After bouncing around the league season after season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield, and he has been playing exceptionally well ever since. Through the first six games, he was lights out on a team that has enough firepower to hang with anyone in the NFC. But over the last two outings, Mayfield’s play has cooled off, and the turnovers have started to creep back in. If that trend continues, his name could fade from the NFL MVP conversation as quickly as it entered it.
Still, context matters. The Bucs have been without key offensive weapons—Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans—forcing Mayfield to carry the load with limited help. True MVPs find ways to win no matter who’s on the field, but it’s hard to overlook how depleted this offense has been. Even so, with Tampa Bay sitting at 6–2 and heading into a bye week, this marks one of the best starts in franchise history. For now, Mayfield deserves to stay in the discussion—especially if he can bounce back and keep the Bucs rolling into November.
3) Daniel Jones
No one had this on their bingo card, but Daniel Jones has been on an absolute tear since being named the Colts’ starter over Anthony Richardson. Once written off by nearly everyone, he’s now leading a 7–1 Indianapolis team and looking like a completely reinvented quarterback. With Jonathan Taylor playing at an MVP level and rookie tight end Tyler Warren emerging as one of the best picks of this year’s draft, Jones finally has the weapons he needs—and he’s making the most of them.
This week, he threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, completing 21 of 29 passes, another efficient performance in what’s become a consistent trend. What many dismissed as a fluke early in the season now looks like the real deal. Playing with a chip on his shoulder, Jones is proving he belongs in the NFL MVP conversation—and if he keeps it up, he could walk away with both Comeback Player of the Year and NFL MVP honors.
4) Josh Allen
Josh Allen is, well—Josh Allen. At this point, his name is almost synonymous with the NFL MVP conversation. After taking home the award last year, he looks poised to make another run at it. Even without a true elite WR1, Allen continues to produce at a high level, dominating through the air and on the ground—the dual-threat ability that makes him one of the most dangerous players in football.
That said, his latest performance left a bit to be desired: 163 yards and one touchdown in a blowout win. He didn’t need to throw much, but that earlier loss to the Atlanta Falcons didn’t help his case. Still, you can never count out Josh Allen. If he cranks it up in the second half of the season, he’ll be right back at the top of the NFL MVP race—possibly going back-to-back as one of the league’s most complete quarterbacks.
5) Jonathan Taylor
As mentioned earlier, Jonathan Taylor absolutely deserves a place in the NFL MVP conversation—even if history suggests the odds are stacked against him. It’s no secret that quarterbacks dominate the award, and it’s been years since a running back seriously contended for it. Even Saquon Barkley, with his 2,000-yard season last year, couldn’t get the recognition he deserved. Still, it would be impossible to talk about this year’s most valuable players without mentioning Taylor.
He’s been the engine of the Colts’ offense, racking up 850 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and averaging over 5 yards per carry through eight weeks. What’s more impressive is how consistent he’s been—turning tough, grind-it-out runs into highlight plays and setting the tone for every drive. His vision, burst, and physicality have made Indianapolis one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the league. If he keeps this pace, voters may have to rethink their QB bias, because Jonathan Taylor is quietly building an NFL MVP résumé worthy of serious consideration.
Closing the Gap: The MVP Race Is Just Getting Started
As we reach the midpoint of the season, one thing is clear—the NFL MVP race is far from over. From breakout performances to redemption stories, this year’s competition has been packed with twists, surprises, and a few familiar faces reminding everyone why they’re elite. The top five frontrunners have made strong cases, but plenty of other stars are right on their heels, waiting for their moment to surge ahead.
Honorable Mentions:
Patrick Mahomes – Still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league, capable of taking over any game.
Matthew Stafford – Quietly putting together a strong season, proving he’s still got elite-level command of the pocket.
Jared Goff – Leading the Lions to one of their best starts with steady, smart play.
Jalen Hurts – A dual-threat weapon who continues to find ways to win, even when the odds aren’t in his favor.
Justin Herbert – Flashing brilliance each week and keeping the Chargers competitive in a tough AFC West.
When it’s all said and done, the NFL MVP will go to the player who not only puts up numbers but also elevates everyone around them. With half a season left, the race is wide open—and the next few weeks will separate the contenders from the pretenders. Buckle up, because this MVP chase might come down to the final whistle.
