The 2025 NFL MVP Might Be the QB Nobody’s Talking About
- Neel Network
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Every year, there seems to be a clear-cut list of a few quarterbacks who could contend for the NFL's highest individual honor- MVP. Immediately, the names Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert jump out to you. However, this year, I believe the MVP is going to be someone that nobody expects. He's been putting up very good numbers in the last couple of years and has even won a playoff game. This year, his weapons are even more loaded than ever before. This player is none other than Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield.
Let's start by taking a look at some statistics. Last season, Baker Mayfield had the 4th highest passer rating, only behind Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, and Lamar Jackson. Additionally, he was third in the league in passing yards, second in touchdowns, and third in completion percentage. Injuries were not an issue for him either, as he played all 17 games. Baker Mayfield became one of four QBs in NFL history to throw for 4k+ yards, 40+ touchdowns, and have a completion rate ≥ 70%, putting him in elite company with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Joe Burrow. But individual statistics aren't everything. Winning MVP also relies on team success.
Let's take a step away from Baker Mayfield as an individual and focus on the Buccaneers as a team. The last 10 MVP winners(Adrian Peterson excluded) have an average regular season win pct. of 0.791, which would equate to about 13.5 wins. This means the Buccaneers would have to win between 12-14 games for Baker to be able to make his case. This is absolutely plausible for this Buccaneers roster. The Bucs finished with 10 wins last year, so they would have to make a noticeable leap this season. With newly signed edge Haason Reddick and impressive rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, 13 wins could be a reality. They rank 19th in strength of schedule, so their win total should not drop compared to last year. Additionally, being in one of the weaker divisions in the NFL should also help them add a couple of wins if they improve their play.
"One of the most overlooked stories of the season so far is that Baker Mayfield is playing pretty damn well" - Mike Florio
Now, I get why some people may be very skeptical of this take. The Bucs haven't made much noise in the playoffs, Baker's career has been inconsistent, and there are many other elite QBs in the league. However, Baker Mayfield cannot be overlooked. He has the tools, he has the weapons, and most importantly, he has the opportunity. Don't be surprised in February when Baker's name gets called for NFL MVP.
Call it now- Who's your MVP?
Josh Allen
Patrick Mahomes
Joe Burrow
Baker Mayfield
Sign up for the Neel Network Newsletter!
Comments