Only one player can win the NFL’s MVP award every year, and it’s usually reserved for quarterbacks of playoff-contending teams. Fortunately, the 2025 season hasn’t kicked off yet, and all 32 teams still have a chance to have a player dethrone reigning MVP Josh Allen.
While most MVPs are quarterbacks, not every team has a realistic option at the position. We break down one player from each team who will be vital to their team’s success in 2025 and could potentially make a case for NFL MVP honors.
Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals quietly had one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL last season, finishing fifth in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. They were the best unit among teams that missed the playoffs in 2024. At the center of this offense is Kyler Murray, who may be one of the more underappreciated talents in the league.
Murray’s 2024 campaign was his second best as a pro, behind his 2021 season. He ranked seventh in completion rate (68.8%) but 14th in EPA per dropback (0.09). His 40.1% third-down conversion rate (13th) and 6.7 nYPA (19th) were solid, but it’s fair to wonder if there’s another gear he can tap into.
Trey McBride has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. If Marvin Harrison Jr. can make a leap in Year 2, we could see the Cardinals’ offense reach new heights in 2025.
Murray’s numbers may not jump off the page, but if Arizona takes the next step in the NFC West, a playoff run could help his MVP chances.
Atlanta Falcons: RB Bijan Robinson
Despite it typically being a quarterback award, a running back has won NFL MVP 18 times, with the most recent being Adrian Peterson in 2012. And while still unlikely, Bijan Robinson has the best chance of any Atlanta Falcons player to take it home.
Robinson is only 23, but he’s already established himself as one of the most complete backs in the NFL. The former Texas Longhorn enjoyed a breakout sophomore season after being underused as a rookie, rushing for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns and catching 61 passes for 431 yards.
Robinson averaged 21.5 touches per game last season, ranking fourth among all NFL backs — behind only Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Kyren Williams. The Falcons’ offense runs through Robinson and his dynamic ability on the ground and through the air.
If Michael Penix Jr. can take a step forward in his first season as the full-time starter and Atlanta wins the NFC South, Robinson will have played a major role.
Baltimore Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson came very close to winning his third NFL MVP award last season, with several believing he deserved it over Allen. Regardless, the Baltimore Ravens star made a strong case.
In 2024, Jackson threw for a career-high 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He completed 66.7% of his passes and posted a career-best 119.6 passer rating. He also ran for 915 yards and four scores.
Jackson finished No. 1 in PFSN’s QB+ metric last season with a near-perfect score. He was better than his 2019 MVP season in several advanced categories, leading the league in EPA per dropback (0.31), net yards per attempt (8.5), and TD-to-INT rate (10.3). He also posted a +0.51 EPA/DB from a clean pocket and a -0.00 EPA/DB when pressured.
Jackson has made big strides as a passer each year to go with his elite rushing ability. With Baltimore expected to contend in the AFC again, he has as good a chance as anyone to win another MVP.
Buffalo Bills: QB Josh Allen
In his MVP season last year, Allen threw for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a career-low six interceptions. He also ran for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns.
A moment that MVP Josh Allen will cherish for the rest of his life 🏆 @Invisalign
📺: #NFLHonors on FOX & NFLN 📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/GaafXND5pV — NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2025
Allen had several MVP-worthy moments, especially in tight games, where he posted a +0.27 EPA per dropback. He also logged a +0.37 EPA/DB from a clean pocket and was efficient on the ground (+0.56 EPA per rush).
Many have criticized general manager Brandon Beane and the front office for not giving Allen more help, but the Buffalo Bills still finished second in scoring (30.88 points per game) in 2024. Even without a top-tier No. 1 receiver, this remains one of the NFL’s most complete rosters.
If Allen repeats as MVP, he’d be just the fifth player to win in back-to-back years, joining Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers.
Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young showed a lot of resiliency last year after being benched just two games in. The former No. 1 pick finished 28th in QB+, but played his best game in Week 18 against Atlanta — throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns with a 73.5% completion rate and 123.5 passer rating. He also added two rushing scores.
Looking deeper, Young had a 0.58 EPA per dropback and a +0.46 EPA/DB when pressured in that game. Over the full season, he ranked 32nd in EPA/DB from a clean pocket (+0.10) and 26th overall (-0.02), but his -0.20 pressured EPA/DB ranked 10th.
Young earned the trust of head coach Dave Canales and has his best set of weapons yet, including rookie Tetairoa McMillan. A breakout is possible in Year 3.
Still, Carolina likely won’t contend for a playoff spot, so Young is a long shot for real MVP consideration.
Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams entered the NFL with sky-high expectations, but his rookie year fell short. The No. 1 overall pick had 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 62.5% of his throws and posting an 87.8 passer rating.
Chicago finished 5-12 despite being seen as a sleeper team in the preseason. Williams drew some criticism, especially after Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix led their teams to the playoffs.
Advanced metrics were underwhelming: -0.05 EPA per dropback (31st), 30.5% third-down conversion rate (36th), and 5.5 nYPA (37th). Yet, his 3.3 TD-to-INT rate and low interception count were positives.
There’s hope heading into Year 2 with Ben Johnson taking over as head coach. One of the league’s best offensive minds, Johnson has a talented group to work with, and that could help unlock Williams’ upside.
Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow
Had the Cincinnati Bengals not finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs, Joe Burrow might’ve won MVP. He still finished fourth in the voting after a dominant 2024.
Burrow led the league in completions (460), attempts (652), yards (4,918), and touchdowns (43). He also posted career highs in completion rate (70.6%) and passer rating (108.5), while ranking third in third-down conversion rate (45.7%) and TD-to-INT rate (4.8%).
Burrow did all that behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, per our OL+ metrics. If Cincinnati can improve up front, this team could get back to the playoffs and, potentially, improve Burrow’s MVP chances.
Cleveland Browns: EDGE Myles Garrett
It’s rare for defenders to win MVP — only Alan Page (1971) and Lawrence Taylor (1986) have done it. But if anyone could be the third, it’s Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett.
The four-time All-Pro and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has had seven straight seasons with double-digit sacks. Over the last five years, he’s second in sacks (72) and pressures (376), third in forced fumbles (14), and fourth in QB hits (129).
Cleveland’s defense was its one bright spot last year, finishing top 10 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. New additions like Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger could help, but Garrett won’t get MVP buzz unless the Browns win more than three games.
Dallas Cowboys: QB Dak Prescott
It’s been an interesting offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. After a quiet free agency, the front office put together a strong NFL Draft class and then struck a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens. The Cowboys have been looking for a true receiving threat opposite CeeDee Lamb, and now they have one.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Lamb has blossomed into one of the NFL’s premier wideouts, with four straight seasons of 1,000+ yards and at least six touchdowns. Pickens has flashed potential, but now he gets to catch passes from Dak Prescott — by far the best quarterback he’s played with so far.
The duo of Lamb and Pickens could help Prescott regain form after playing just eight games in 2024. Just two seasons ago, the Cowboys’ QB led the league in completions (410) and passing touchdowns (36). It’s not far-fetched to believe he could post big numbers again in 2025.
With a makeshift backfield of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue, Dallas’ offense could lean heavily on the passing game. That bodes well for a jump from last season’s 23rd-ranked unit and Prescott’s MVP chances.
Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos turned heads in 2024. After seven straight losing seasons, Sean Payton’s team posted a 10-7 record and earned a Wild Card spot.
Denver’s defense and offensive line both deserve credit for the turnaround, finishing first in Defense+ and OL+, respectively. But Nix exceeded expectations as a rookie, throwing for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 66.3% completion rate and 93.3 passer rating.
Nix ranked 20th in EPA per dropback (0.03), 18th in third-down conversion rate (38.7%), and 26th in net yards per attempt (6.3). While those numbers don’t pop, the Broncos still ranked 10th in scoring at 25.0 ppg.
With tight end Evan Engram joining the mix and a revamped run game led by J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, Denver could be dangerous again. If Nix takes a step forward, he could find himself in MVP conversations.
Detroit Lions: QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff might be one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in the NFL. He doesn’t draw much national buzz, but he’s been steady and coming off a 2024 campaign where he ranked second in QB+.
Goff threw for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. He also set career highs in completion percentage (72.4%) and passer rating (111.8). He was second in both overall EPA per dropback (0.27) and clean pocket EPA/DB (0.50). Goff was also great in the clutch, converting 45% of third downs (fourth best in the NFL).
The Detroit Lions’ offense was No. 1 in Offense+ last year, with playmakers like Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta. Even without Johnson, Detroit still has the tools to remain elite.
Having so much talent around Goff might hurt him in the MVP race. We saw a similar situation between Jackson and Allen last year. Still, if the Lions win big again, Goff could get his shot.
Green Bay Packers: QB Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers have made the playoffs in each of Jordan Love’s two years as the full-time starter after Aaron Rodgers. In that span, he’s totaled 7,548 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions.
Love’s advanced numbers were mixed in 2024. He ranked fourth in net yards per attempt (7.8) but was just 31st in third-down conversion rate (32.8%). He was solid under pressure, ranking eighth in pressured EPA/DB (-0.17) and 13th overall in EPA/DB (0.13).
There are still questions about Love’s supporting cast. The Packers haven’t had a true No. 1 receiver for a while, although first-rounder Matthew Golden might change that. Josh Jacobs should also bring stability in the backfield.
The NFC North could be the toughest division in football, and Love will have plenty of chances to prove himself within it.
Houston Texans: QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud took the NFL by storm as a rookie, winning 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, his 2024 season didn’t match the hype.
Stroud finished 29th in EPA per dropback (-0.03), 25th in third-down rate (35.1%), and 28th in net yards per attempt (5.7). The Houston Texans’ offensive line was one of the league’s worst, but he still needs to play better.
Things aren’t much better heading into 2025. Houston moved on from Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell will miss most of the year due to injury.
Still, Stroud has Nico Collins and a strong backfield in Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb. If Stroud bounces back, he could help Houston reach the playoffs for the third straight season — and earn some MVP buzz.
Indianapolis Colts: RB Jonathan Taylor
The Indianapolis Colts’ offense was inconsistent last year, ranking 21st in both EPA per play and Offense+. A big reason was poor quarterback play.
Anthony Richardson enters Year 3 still looking to prove he’s a reliable starter — and stay healthy. Whether it’s him or Daniel Jones under center, expect Indianapolis to rely on the run game, led by All-Pro back Taylor.
Taylor tied Barkley for most carries per game (21.6) and logged 303 carries for 1,431 yards and 11 scores. He averaged 2.8 yards before contact and forced 15 missed tackles.
The Colts lost two starting linemen this offseason, which could make things tougher for Taylor. But the workload will be there. The big question is whether Indy can stay competitive.
Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Is LSU “WR U”? It’s hard to argue otherwise with names like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. coming out of Baton Rouge.
Thomas has already emerged as Trevor Lawrence’s go-to guy. Though the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted two-way star Travis Hunter, it’s not yet clear how they’ll use him. Thomas built a quick connection with Lawrence, finishing his rookie year with 87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He also ranked sixth in yards after catch with 562 yards.
With Christian Kirk and Engram gone, Thomas could exceed his 25.5% target share from last season. Hunter could draw coverage away, creating more 1-on-1 chances for Thomas. But Jacksonville was one of the worst teams last year, and another bad season would keep Thomas (and everyone else) out of MVP consideration.
Kansas City Chiefs: QB Patrick Mahomes
Numbers aside, it’s hard to say there’s a better quarterback in the NFL than Patrick Mahomes. At just 29, he already owns three Super Bowls, two MVPs, two All-Pro selections, and six Pro Bowls.
Mahomes’ 2024 advanced stats weren’t spectacular — 0.25 EPA/DB from a clean pocket, ranking 18th — but he always steps up in big moments. Mahomes led the league in third-down conversion rate (47.8%) and remains the definition of clutch.
The Kansas City Chiefs have extra motivation this year after a Super Bowl beatdown by the Philadelphia Eagles ended their three-peat hopes. If Mahomes can boost his counting stats (3,928 yards, 26 TDs in 2024), he’ll be back in the MVP race on a title-contending team.
Las Vegas Raiders: TE Brock Bowers
Let’s start by saying a tight end has never won NFL MVP, and it’s a long shot that one ever will. But Brock Bowers isn’t your average TE, and he might be the closest thing the Las Vegas Raiders have to an MVP candidate in 2025.
Bowers was elite in his first year, setting NFL rookie records for most catches (112) and receiving yards by a tight end (1,194). He also scored five touchdowns.
What makes that production even more impressive is that he was catching passes from Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell, neither of whom is a starter-level quarterback. Now the Raiders have Geno Smith, who’s not elite but is a proven veteran and an upgrade from last season.
Bowers should be Smith’s top target. With more talent around him, he could have more space to work and make big plays.
Los Angeles Chargers: QB Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers went 11-6 and made the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach. They didn’t last long in the postseason, but this team looks like a contender again in 2025.
For a deeper playoff run, LA will need Justin Herbert to take another step. He’s been a good quarterback, but he’s yet to break into the NFL’s elite.
Herbert has all the tools, but the numbers haven’t quite matched the talent. In 2024, he threw for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a career-high 101.7 passer rating. He ranked second in TD-to-INT rate (7.7), but outside the top 10 in most other metrics.
The Chargers’ front office added help around Herbert this offseason. Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton lead a new backfield, and Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith join Ladd McConkey at wide receiver. Herbert has the weapons to put together a big 2025.
Los Angeles Rams: WR Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua has quickly become one of the best receivers in the NFL. The former fifth-round pick had a record-setting rookie year, catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. His second season was shortened by injury, but he still had 79 catches for 990 yards and three scores in 11 games.
Nacua was extremely efficient, with a 74.5% catch rate on 106 targets last year. The Los Angeles Rams moved on from Cooper Kupp this offseason but replaced him with Davante Adams, which could be an upgrade.
Even with Adams in town, Nacua already has strong chemistry with Matthew Stafford and should still be the top option in the passing game. MVPs are usually quarterbacks, but Nacua is a special player with a knack for making history.
Miami Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill
Tua Tagovailoa might be the more realistic MVP candidate for the Miami Dolphins, simply because he plays quarterback. But Tyreek Hill is the one most likely to do something we’ve never seen, thanks to his speed and explosiveness.
Hill is one of the most dangerous players in the league. His 2024 season wasn’t his best, mostly because of quarterback issues. But in 2023, he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,799) and touchdowns (13).
The Dolphins went 8-9 last season. If they stay healthy, Mike McDaniel’s offense could return to elite form. In 2023, they led the NFL in yards and were second in scoring. If that version of Miami returns, Hill will be a huge reason why.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is in every conversation for best wide receiver in the NFL and has topped 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons. Since 2020, Jefferson leads the league in receiving yards (7,432), ranks third in targets (730), fifth in catches (495), and ninth in yards after catch (2,317). In 2024, he had 103 catches, 1,533 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of offensive weapons, including Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones. That balance helps Jefferson find more 1-on-1 matchups.
He’ll have another new quarterback in 2025. After producing with Sam Darnold last year, Jefferson will now work with J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to injury. If McCarthy clicks early, Jefferson could have another monster year.
New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye went 3-9 as a starter last year, but he showed why the New England Patriots believe in him.
Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with an 88.1 passer rating. He ranked 19th in QB+ with a 74.3 grade, was 22nd in EPA per dropback (0.01), and ranked 21st from a clean pocket and 18th under pressure.
Drake Maye running the football pic.twitter.com/vfbT6VD7lZ
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 16, 2025
There’s room to grow. Maye was 27th in third-down conversion rate (34.3%) and 31st in net yards per pass attempt (5.5). Part of the issue? New England had the worst offensive line in the league, per our OL+ metric.
The Patriots made upgrades up front and added Diggs and running back TreVeyon Henderson. A new coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels, gives Maye a better setup to take a step forward.
The big question is whether New England will be competitive enough for Maye to enter the MVP chat.
New Orleans Saints: RB Alvin Kamara
The New Orleans Saints are still adjusting after Derek Carr’s retirement. With no clear answer at quarterback, they rank No. 31 in our NFL Power Rankings.
Rookie Tyler Shough isn’t a lock to win the job, let alone carry the offense. Alvin Kamara is the team’s most proven piece. He turns 30 before the season but remains productive. Kamara has topped 1,100 scrimmage yards in all eight of his NFL seasons, even without ever playing a full year.
Kamara averaged 21.1 touches per game last season, ranking fifth among NFL backs. With a rookie quarterback likely under center, he may be leaned on even more.
The only problem? The Saints probably won’t be good enough for Kamara to be a serious MVP threat.
New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers
The New York Giants found a star in Nabers. The 2024 No. 6 pick had 109 receptions (fifth in the NFL), 1,204 yards (seventh), and seven touchdowns (21st) in 15 games as a rookie.
Nabers was the second-most targeted receiver in the league (170), behind only Ja’Marr Chase, and did it while catching passes from Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock.
New York’s 2025 quarterback room includes Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart — any of whom could be an upgrade from last year. If Nabers can thrive with average QB play, just imagine what he could do with competent support.
MVP might be a reach, but Nabers is the Giants’ most electric offensive weapon and their best hope on that front.
New York Jets: RB Breece Hall
Aaron Rodgers is out, and Justin Fields is the new starting quarterback for the New York Jets. Fields is still a polarizing player, but the Jets gave him a solid contract despite him not yet proving that he can be a full-time NFL starter.
Fields will get another chance in New York, but the offense should lean heavily on Breece Hall in 2025. While he’s yet to rush for 1,000 yards in a season (falling six yards short in 2023), Hall can impact the game in multiple ways. He’s a true receiving threat, with 1,292 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns in his first three seasons.
Hall has topped 1,300 scrimmage yards in back-to-back years, after playing just seven games as a rookie. He ranked 21st among all backs in touches per game in 2024 (16.6), but the Jets could move to a more run-heavy approach. Fields and Braelon Allen may take some touches, but Hall remains the most proven weapon outside of Garrett Wilson.
Philadelphia Eagles: RB Saquon Barkley
Barkley was a force in his first year with the Eagles. He rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on an NFL-best 345 carries — finishing just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. Had Barkley played all 17 games, he might’ve done it.
Saquon Barkley just did a reverse hurdle and jumped over a guy backwards 😳 pic.twitter.com/n5qFtH7USM
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) November 3, 2024
Barkley led the league in touches per game (23.6). He wasn’t used as much in the passing game, but still managed 33 receptions for 278 yards and two scores. With A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert on the roster, that’s not a big surprise.
Adding Barkley was a game-changer for Philly’s Super Bowl run in 2024. The Offensive Player of the Year remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic backs. It’ll be hard to match last year’s stats in 2025, especially with the Tush Push still in play, but Barkley will remain a key part of this elite offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Aaron Rodgers
Only one player in NFL history — Peyton Manning — has more MVPs than Rodgers. The four-time MVP joined the Steelers after a rough stint with the Jets. But even at 41, there’s some intrigue with Rodgers now in Pittsburgh.
His 2024 season wasn’t great. Rodgers threw for 3,987 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with a 63% completion rate and 90.5 passer rating. He ranked 21st in QB+ and 27th in EPA per dropback (-0.02). Rodgers also finished 36th in clean-pocket EPA/DB (+0.07) and 29th in third-down conversion rate (33.5%).
Expectations should be tempered, but Rodgers has a chance to show what’s left in the tank.
San Francisco 49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey
When healthy, there aren’t many better than Christian McCaffrey. But that’s the catch, he just hasn’t been able to stay on the field.
McCaffrey played only four games in 2024, but we know what he can do when he’s right. In 2023, he led the league in rushing (1,459 yards), scrimmage yards (2,023), and total touchdowns (21).
McCaffrey’s ability to hurt defenses as both a runner and receiver makes him one of the most dynamic weapons in the NFL. With Deebo Samuel Sr. gone and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a season-ending injury, McCaffrey could see an even bigger workload early in 2025. If he stays healthy, a huge season could follow.
Seattle Seahawks: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seattle Seahawks don’t have a clear MVP pick. They traded Smith to the Raiders and brought in Darnold, who bounced back with the Vikings last year. Darnold could be the guy here, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a fun choice.
Seattle traded DK Metcalf to the Steelers and added Kupp, who is still a strong player on paper, but injuries have slowed him since his dominant 2021 season.
A fresh start might help Kupp, but Smith-Njigba could become Darnold’s top option. He’s coming off a breakout year — 100 catches, 1,130 yards, and six touchdowns — and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
Seattle missed the playoffs last year but remained in the hunt. With a top-10 defense and a competent offense, Smith-Njigba could be in for a huge year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfield
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one of the NFL’s best offenses in 2024, finishing third in Offense+. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Jalen McMillan, and Rachaad White, they could go toe-to-toe with anybody.
Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, ran the show. He had his best year, finishing sixth in QB+, and throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. However, he also led the league with 16 picks. Still, Mayfield hit career highs in completion rate (71.4%) and passer rating (106.8).
The Bucs return all their key playmakers and added wideout Emeka Egbuka in the draft. With this much talent around him, Mayfield enters 2025 in one of the league’s best setups.
If Tampa wins the NFC South again and Mayfield cuts down on turnovers, MVP buzz isn’t out of the question.
Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward might be the biggest long shot on this list, and not because of talent. He’s a rookie, and the Tennessee Titans aren’t expected to contend in 2025.
It’s possible Tennessee surprises people, but a playoff push feels like a reach. That said, there’s real excitement around Ward, who went No. 1 overall after a stellar season at Miami and was widely viewed as the most NFL-ready QB in the class.
The Titans also made moves to help him succeed. They upgraded the line with Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore Jr. while also adding Tyler Lockett. Ward has a steep hill to climb, but he has some help.
Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels
Daniels wasn’t the most hyped rookie QB in last year’s draft, but he was the best by season’s end. The Offensive Rookie of the Year threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine picks with a 69% completion rate and a 100.1 passer rating. He also rushed for 891 yards and six scores.
Daniels finished ninth in QB+ and a clean pocket (0.30), was eighth in EPA per dropback (0.15), and sixth under pressure (-0.11).
With Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn, the Washington Commanders had their best season since 1991. They added Josh Conerly Jr. and Laremy Tunsil to bolster the line, and the offense features Terry McLaurin, Samuel, Brian Robinson, and Austin Ekeler.
Daniels can beat teams with his legs or his arm — and that’s the kind of profile that can break into the MVP race.