Each year since 2013, a quarterback has won the MVP award, and that could continue in 2025 and beyond. With the way the NFL has been trending, it's obviously become a QB-first league, and the best and most recognizable players in the league are quarterbacks.
Now that Week 11 is about wrapped up, the MVP race has gotten a tad bit more clear and features some newer faces. Heck, some have wondered if a certain running back in the AFC would have a chance at winning the MVP this year.
As we have done, we've power ranked our updated MVP stepladder, so let's get into it here.
NFL MVP Power Rankings: Jonathan Taylor continues to make his case
5. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
Jared Goff continues to be one of the best and steadiest QBs in the NFL. The Detroit Lions are now 6-3 on the season after a blowout win over the Washington Commanders, and Goff is quielty having an insane season yet again. He's now thrown 20 touchdown passes against just three interceptions. His 117.7 passer rating would be the best of his career.
He's also completing 74% of his passes, which leads the NFL. The one thing that kind of goes against Goff is that he's not a dual-threat QB and plays the position in a more traditional way, so that doesn't really do him any favors.
But he's one of the best passers in the NFL, period, and is an MVP candidate.
4. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks are 7-2, and Darnold continues to play well. On a side note, you have to wonder how much the Minnesota Vikings regret letting him leave. Seattle feels like a legitimate contender, and there might only be one QB this year who has been more efficient throwing the ball down the field. Darnold might be legit and is still just 28 years old.
If Seattle keeps winning, it'd be hard to not view Darnold as an MVP candidate.