The 2024 NFL season witnessed a revival for running backs, with standout performances from Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. Henry led the league with 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, while Barkley posted a historic season with over 2,000 yards and a dominant postseason run that helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Despite their achievements, both were overlooked in MVP voting.
Barkley earned only one second-place vote, finishing third overall, while Ja’Marr Chase was the only other non-quarterback in the top 11. The MVP award remains heavily skewed toward quarterbacks, with no non-QB winning since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
The MVP race continues to center around quarterbacks, a trend that shows no signs of stopping. Players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow are perennial favorites due to their outsized influence on game outcomes.
Although Barkley sparked a valid MVP debate with his exceptional season, the structural bias toward quarterbacks persists. Their weekly impact on team success still outweighs other positions in voters’ eyes, leaving even historically dominant seasons from RBs and WRs underappreciated.
Star Skill Players and Rising Quarterbacks Battle for Spotlight in MVP 2025 Conversation
Despite the MVP voting bias, returning non-QBs like Barkley and Chase are expected to remain in the conversation. Barkley’s repeat of his 2024 performance would solidify his elite status, while Chase, who achieved the rare receiving triple crown, should continue putting up gaudy stats with Burrow.
Yet, both face the same uphill battle for MVP recognition unless their teams show significant success. Chase, in particular, might see more attention if the Bengals post a stronger win-loss record.
Running Backs Rise, but Quarterbacks Still Dominate Early 2025 NFL MVP RaceSeveral quarterbacks are emerging as legitimate MVP dark horses. Jayden Daniels, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, is poised to break out further in 2025 with added offensive weapons and a stronger line. Jared Goff remains consistent in Detroit, although he’ll need to overcome offensive line changes.
Meanwhile, Justin Herbert, known for his dazzling play, may need to thrive under Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy system to gain MVP momentum. These QBs are already on voters’ radars but must elevate their teams further to be serious contenders.
Unconventional MVP Hopefuls Face Obstacles but Possess Talent to Shake Up 2025 Race
Some players represent true dark-horse MVP potential. Travis Hunter, playing both WR and CB for the Jaguars, offers a rare two-way skillset that could turn heads if used heavily on both sides of the ball. Jalen Hurts, though a Super Bowl MVP, may be statistically overshadowed by Barkley in Philly’s offense.
Meanwhile, Jordan Love and Baker Mayfield face different hurdles—injuries and offensive system changes—but each has shown flashes of elite play that could revive their MVP cases if paired with team success.
C.J. Stroud is another name to watch as he seeks to bounce back from a sophomore slump caused by injuries and poor protection. With an upgraded offensive line and a restocked receiver corps, Stroud is in a position to return to his 2023 Rookie of the Year form and compete for MVP recognition.
The 2025 MVP race promises a compelling mix of returning elites, breakout stars, and unconventional candidates, but the dominance of the quarterback position in MVP voting is likely to continue shaping the outcome.
