With almost half of the NFL season in the books, clear candidates to win this season’s MVP have emerged, featuring the veteran stars and a talented sophomore. Here are your top five NFL MVP contenders after Week 8 of the 2025 season.
AFC Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow
Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow | Photo provided by Getty Images.
5. Baker Mayfield
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Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) stands on the field during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Few athletes display the same level of toughness as Baker Mayfield. Kicked aside more than once, this 30-year-old QB guided Tampa Bay to a 6-2 start, holding firm amid formidable NFC rivals. His numbers aren’t flashy – 1,870 yards, 12 TDs, only 4 picks – yet they’re backed by absolute command when it matters most.
Mayfield has led three fourth-quarter comebacks already, which in itself earns his name mention for MVP. Even without key players at the start, he’s held the offense together – hitting a high share of passes when pressured, putting him near the top five league-wide. Should Tampa end up a leading NFC team, people might stop calling him an underdog and start treating him as real MVP competition.
4. Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills Josh Allen
Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) walks out onto the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Following a shaky patch halfway through the season, Josh Allen showed once again why he’s got the MVP title. In the Week 8 blowout – 40–9 over the Panthers – he powered in two rushing TDs while tossing another – exactly how he made his mark.
Over eight matches, Allen racked up 2,050 yards – 1,630 throwing, 420 running – and punched in 17 scores, propping up Buffalo’s attack despite teammates going down injured. Yet here’s the hitch: he doesn’t play steady week to week. His QBR sits at 62.0, lower than last season’s top-tier mark, plus he’s tossed five interceptions, several when pressure peaked. Even so, facing softer matchups soon while the offense clicks better, his natural flair might spark another push toward MVP ranks.
3. Jonathan Taylor
Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during AFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
You might label it a QB prize if you wish – but Jonathan Taylor’s forcing folks to reconsider. The Colts standout tops everyone with 850 yards rushing plus 12 TDs, hitting nearly 5.9 yards every time he runs. Right now, he’s tracking close to 1,900 yards alongside 25 touchdowns; that kind of total could link him to rare feats, sorta like Adrian Peterson’s MVP run back in ’12.
What makes Taylor stand out? He’s at the heart of Indianapolis’ wins. The Colts, sitting at 7-1, shape their entire game around him – controlling the clock and topping the league in ground attack. Whenever Taylor racks up 20 or more rushes, Indy stays perfect. Toss in his upgraded role catching passes – 280 yards, two scores from throws – and suddenly you’ve got a back who does way more than just run. This changes what we expect from running backs now.
2. Drake Maye
New England Patriots, Drake Maye
Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) holds a press conference after minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Few young QBs have burst onto the scene like Drake Maye. With him under center, New England strung together five wins in a row – topped by a standout win against Cleveland’s tough D. That day, he threw for 282 yards and three scores, playing calm and sharp, more like a seasoned pro than someone fresh out of college.
Maye has 2,150 yards throwing, 17 scores overall, along with a 104.5 rating throwing – not far from the league’s elite in yards per try or converting on third downs. He’s not just handling games – he’s leading wins. Thanks to making plays last longer, taking big hits, and still hitting deep targets, New England now moves differently on offense after years of being stuck in mediocrity. Should the Patriots grab the AFC East title, Maye could pull off what few expect: claiming MVP under age 23.
1. Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets the crowd hyped before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets the crowd hyped before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
For the umpteenth time, Patrick Mahomes sits on top as the MVP favorite. Even though folks say the Chiefs’ offense has slowed down this season, his play still stands out from the pack. He’s racked up over 2,300 yards and hit 21 TDs – no small feat considering spotty catching behind him, plus dropped passes that made his picks look worse than they should’ve been.
His Week 8 outing – he threw for 299 yards, three scores, two picks during the 28–7 victory – wasn’t perfect; yet, it showed Mahomes at just okay levels still tops many quarterbacks’ best shots. Right now, he’s led KC to five wins over their past six matchups, even though his EPA per play plus adjusted completion rate sit near the league’s upper tier.
With November football on the horizon, each pass, run, or series shifts into sharper focus. Although only one name wins the trophy, this season’s chase appears to be shared across all teams.