Top 10 NFL MVP Candidates at the Midseason Point
We’ve hit the halfway mark of the 2025 NFL season, and the MVP race is wide open. It’s been a wild nine weeks filled with breakout stars, redemption stories, and more drama than a prime-time game. Quarterbacks, as usual, dominate the conversation, but a few playmakers from other positions have made it impossible to ignore their impact. Check out the top 10 players leading the MVP conversation as we hit midseason.
Drake Maye
Drake Maye has taken the NFL by storm. The Patriots quarterback is not only leading his team to the top of the AFC East, but he’s doing it with incredible efficiency. His 74.1% completion rate, 116.9 passer rating, and 9.0 yards per attempt rank among the best in the league. Maye’s accuracy, pocket presence, and athleticism have transformed New England’s offense under Josh McDaniels. Through nine games, he’s looked every bit like the next big thing by putting together eight straight performances with over 200 yards and a 100-plus rating.
Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor is back to being one of the league’s most dominant forces. The Colts’ running back is the heartbeat of an offense averaging nearly 33 points a game. He leads the NFL with 895 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He’s even drawing comparisons to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson for his scoring pace and versatility.
Matthew Stafford
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Matthew Stafford is putting together one of the best seasons of his career. The Rams veteran leads all passers in touchdowns (21), first downs (106), and passing yards per game (268.4). He’s connected with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to devastating effect. Stafford’s 113.2 passer rating reflects his control of the offense.
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts continues to find ways to win. With 1,884 total yards and 20 combined touchdowns through nine games, the Eagles quarterback has been as steady as ever. He’s running less but throwing more efficiently.
Aidan Hutchinson
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After a gruesome injury ended his 2024 season early, Hutchinson has bounced back stronger than ever. He has seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and a league-leading 46 pressures.
Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is reminding everyone why he’s one of the most complete players in the league. The 49ers running back leads the NFL in scrimmage yards (1,222) and touches (229). His comeback after missing most of last season is one of the year’s best stories.
Sam Darnold
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Sam Darnold’s career revival in Seattle has been something to watch. While playing in Klint Kubiak’s system, he’s thriving with a 70.4% completion rate, 116.0 passer rating, and over 260 passing yards per game. His chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba has changed the fate of the Seahawks’ passing attack. After years of being labeled a bust, Darnold finally looks like the quarterback he was drafted to be.
Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons has been a game-changer for the Packers since arriving in a blockbuster trade. The edge rusher has 6.5 sacks and has completely transformed Green Bay’s defense. His speed and power have opened opportunities for teammates like Rashan Gary, who’s having a career year thanks to Parsons’ presence.
Baker Mayfield
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Baker Mayfield continues to thrive under pressure. The Buccaneers quarterback leads the league with four game-winning drives and has shown unmatched poise late in games. Tampa Bay has battled through injuries, but Mayfield’s leadership and ability to deliver when it matters most have kept them competitive.
Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones has found new life in Indianapolis. Under Shane Steichen, he’s managing games efficiently and making big plays when it counts. With Jonathan Taylor in the backfield and a talented group of receivers, Jones’ decision-making and confidence are at an all-time high.