As we near the midpoint of the 2025 NFL season, uncertainty hangs over which teams will emerge as the leaders. The unpredictability has made this season particularly engaging, and everyone seems to have a stake in the ongoing awards race. It’s fascinating, really; MVP frontrunners may falter due to injuries or lackluster performances, while lesser-known players could unexpectedly shine.
One player grabbing attention is Drake Maye. Following a standout rookie season, he has rightfully positioned himself as a contender for the MVP. Since “best quarterback” often denotes being an MVP, it’s worth diving deeper into the quarterbacks making waves this year.
Jared Goff — Detroit Lions
Heading into the season, many speculated whether 2025 would signal a decline for Jared Goff. Since joining the Lions, a lot of his success has been attributed to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s influence, fostering doubts about Goff’s capabilities alone.
However, Goff has not only maintained his effectiveness but possibly improved, carrying the Lions’ offense. Currently, he leads the league in passer rating, boasting an impressive figure of 120.6 and a completion rate of 75.9%. While he has struggled with depth throws in the past, he’s been in complete command this season—no one has managed to stop him.
Projected final score: 3,938 yards, 40 TD, 6 INT
Sam Darnold — Seattle Seahawks
Seattle fans were rightly skeptical about signing Darnold to a lucrative contract while letting Geno Smith go. Now, six weeks in, it seems the Seahawks have made the right call, while other teams are reconsidering their decisions.
Darnold is proving that his breakout performance last year wasn’t a fluke. His skill set has propelled the Seahawks to be leading contenders in the NFC. With over 70% completion on his passes and a standout average depth of target (aDOT), he seems to be operating not just efficiently but also creatively. It’s impressive how he can deliver challenging throws with apparent ease.
Thanks to the chemistry he’s built with Jackson Smith-Njigba, the third-year receiver is on track for nearly 2,000 receiving yards. The Seahawks appear to have found their quarterback; Darnold resembles another successful reclamation project akin to Baker Mayfield.
Projected final score: 4,366 yards, 31 TD, 9 INT
Drake Maye — New England Patriots
When discussing quarterbacks, the debate surrounding last year’s NFL Draft isn’t wrapping up anytime soon. However, in 2025, it seems that Drake Maye is taking charge, and we’re just witnessing it unfold.
Maye’s MVP candidacy against Goff and Darnold is quite compelling. While his numbers may not match theirs, considering the players surrounding him is crucial. Frustratingly, Stefon Diggs has become just an ordinary receiver, leaving Maye with limited options.
Despite those constraints, Maye is putting together an impressive season and has emerged as a strong leader. It’s evident that the Patriots are rallying behind him. His command at the line of scrimmage is impressive, and if he can guide the team to the playoffs, his MVP chances could significantly improve.
Expected final score: 4,312 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT
Baker Mayfield — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield presents a somewhat surprising option, reliant on whether the Buccaneers can maintain their strength as a top NFL team. From the moment he joined Tampa, he’s shown remarkable improvement, especially after it appeared as though his career might be winding down. It underlines the importance of the right fit over sheer talent.
This season, it feels like Mayfield and the Bucs are starting to mesh perfectly. He’s executing significant plays across the field, even in the absence of key players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. That says a lot about Mayfield’s ability and the Bucs’ smart decision to draft Emeka Egbuka, who has emerged as a valuable asset alongside him.
Mayfield has plenty of reasons to stay alert; there’s a solid argument that he might just be outshining all other quarterbacks right now. His high statistics coupled with a relatively weak supporting unit make for an intriguing MVP candidate.
Expected final result: 4,361 yards, 42 TD, 3 INT
