Five Sneaky MVP Candidates Who Might Crash the 2025 NFL Party and Annoy Everyone

Alright, buckle up. If you think the MVP trophy is going to be a cakewalk between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson again, you’re in for a rude awakening. The 2025 NFL season is sneaking in some wildcards that could upend everything and screw up the usual vote-counting script. You know the ones—the guys who aren’t the media darlings yet but could play the band in this rock concert of football and scream “Look at me!” and then maybe, just maybe, snag that MVP.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+1700)

Jalen Hurts: the guy everyone’s torn between loving for his crisp plays and hating because he had a supporting cast so stellar that MVP voters basically said, “Why bother?” The man quietly rated fifth highest in NFL passer rating in 2024 and punched out 32 touchdowns (32! That’s not a typo) but only 18 of those were in the air. Apparently those ground touchdowns using the dreaded “tush push” move don’t butter voters’ bread. Hell, they might sprinkle some salt on it.

Here’s the twist: Hurts had a shaky start to ’24 but ended with a bang—26 touchdowns to just one interception, a ridiculous 114 passer rating, and an almost unfair 112.8 passer rating in 4th-quarter, nail-biter games. That’s the kind of clutch QB play that screams MVP—if voters can get over the gimmick play stigma.

And what if injuries whack some of his crutches? Suddenly, Hurts carrying a wounded Eagles team to wins becomes a tempting MVP narrative. It’s like rooting for the underdog, but the underdog is a supersonic quarterback with a killer offense.

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (+2500)

Jordan Love flew under the radar harder than your uncle at a rave, but his talent is palpable. During a five-game stretch in the latter half of 2024, Love put up a 119.9 passer rating—basically air traffic controller level. If he can crank that consistency up to a full season, MVP voters might have to add his name to the list instead of pretending he’s still a rookie.

But let’s get real. His receivers were dropping balls like they’re hot potatoes (only Daniel Jones saw more drop passes last year), and he’s still only got two full starter seasons under that helmet. However, Matthew Golden, the shiny first-round receiver, is suiting up for 2025. The kid’s speed could help Love stop tossing deflated balloons and start throwing darts instead.

Plus, his 105.7 rating on deep throws means he’s got the arm to make you gasp. It’s still early, but the Packers might have found their next MVP candidate. Or at least their next quarterback to make you cautiously optimistic instead of crying quietly.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (+2800)

If you think Kyler’s faced some criticism, you’re not alone. This guy is the definition of an enigma—flashes of greatness mixed with ‘what the hell was that?’ moments. But at 27, Murray is still just getting started (at least, that’s the optimistic spin).

The Cardinals are perking up on paper, adding talent, and if Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. can cook up some good mojo together, expect some fireworks. The offense might finally click, and Murray could slip quietly into the MVP chatter.

He’s had a rollercoaster career but if he dodges the injury gods and plays like the MVP candidate he’s capable of, he’ll surprise a lot of doubters looking for someone else to root for.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (+3500)

Bo Nix was a rookie on fire at the end of 2024. In three games, he posted a 126.0 passer rating, throwing nine touchdowns with just one pick. Across the final 10 games, he threw 24 TDs to 7 picks with a solid 105.7 rating. That’s impressive for a rookie on a team that has about as much offensive polish as a chipped mug.

The Broncos have a young corps of receivers who, let’s be honest, aren’t exactly making defenders wet their pants yet, but that might change in 2025. Plus, Nix now has an entire offseason to get his NFL footing. If he builds on that hot finish, his name could crash the MVP party and make the pesky AFC West race even more exciting (or insufferable, depending on your team allegiance).

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (+5000)

It’s basically been a quarterback’s world around the MVP trophy for over a decade. But Saquon Barkley shattered that lock in 2024 by finishing behind only Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. The guy who runs like he has a rocket in his shoes carried the Eagles and nearly rewrote the entire rushing record book.

Barkley’s MVP shot might get tangled with Hurts because they’re on the same team and that always messes with narratives. But if Hurts misses some time and Barkley has to haul this offense like a one-man freight train, suddenly MVP feels a lot more plausible.

Let’s not forget, Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 15 times in 2024, then piled on another 574 yards and 5 touchdowns in the playoffs. If this year he breaks Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, he will be the first running back crowned MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012. That’s right—if he manages all that, the MVP trophy might just start looking like a trophy for the No. 1 running back again. Wild times.

So there you have it—the dark horses, the sleepers, the secret sauce players who might just flip the whole MVP script for the 2025 NFL season. Don’t tune out these names just because they aren’t on the cover of every magazine. Sometimes, the loudest roars come from the most unexpected corners.