San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has drawn significant attention as a leading candidate for the NFL MVP award in 2025, according to FOX analyst Chris Broussard. Purdy’s rapid rise—from being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to leading the 49ers to multiple NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl berth—has set the stage for an intriguing MVP race. With his $265 million contract extension fresh, the quarterback’s 2025 campaign carries both high expectations and scrutiny, particularly regarding the strength of his schedule and how that might influence his Brock Purdy NFL MVP 2025 odds.

Chris Broussard placed Purdy third on his MVP watch list during a recent episode of First Things First, behind Caleb Williams and Baker Mayfield. Broussard cited the combination of Purdy’s returning star receivers and an exceptionally favorable schedule as the primary reasons for his high ranking, arguing that these factors could propel Purdy to elite status if he performs well.

Expert Praise and Challenges Facing Purdy in the Upcoming Season

Longtime NFL veteran Trent Williams, the 49ers’ left tackle, expressed his pride in Purdy’s development, calling his story the quintessential “Cinderella story.” Williams highlighted the rare journey Purdy has undertaken from overlooked prospect to franchise cornerstone. He stated,

“It’s just super, super fulfilling to watch a guy like Brock,”

and added,

“You talk about a Cinderella story, I think this is the epitome of that.”

Williams further emphasized the team’s belief in Purdy’s leadership by saying,

“He is the guy for this franchise.”

Despite the confidence from teammates and the front office, Purdy confronts challenges as he aims to justify his massive contract and justify his MVP candidacy beyond favorable conditions. With key receivers Deebo Samuel no longer on the roster and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from injury, the San Francisco passing game faces the test of adapting with a thinner receiving corps. Broussard pointed out this concern, noting the necessity for Purdy to demonstrate he’s more than a system quarterback playing in a loaded offense.

The Impact of an Easy Schedule on Purdy’s MVP Chances

One of the key factors in Purdy’s MVP outlook is the apparent ease of the 49ers’ 2025 schedule. According to Sharp Football Analysis, San Francisco holds the league’s easiest schedule by a wide margin. Their post–week 14 bye slate includes games against teams that struggled in 2024, such as the Titans, Colts, Bears, and Seahawks—all of whom finished with losing records. Warren Sharp’s schedule strength rankings, based on previous seasons, underline the importance of schedule difficulty when evaluating team success and individual accolades. For instance, in 2024, only two of the ten teams with the toughest schedules qualified for the playoffs, while six out of the ten squads with easier schedules made the postseason.

Broussard highlighted Purdy’s advantageous position by stating,

“He’s got the easiest schedule in the league. And he’s got his horses back.”

He referenced reliable teammates like George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, who remain critical to Purdy’s offensive plan. This manageable slate could serve as either a platform for Purdy’s breakout or a benchmark that exposes potential limitations.

Top MVP Candidates Ranked by Chris Broussard

Chris Broussard’s rankings on the NFL MVP landscape for 2025 reveal a competitive field shaped by both proven performers and rising stars. His top three candidates are:

1. Caleb Williams: The 2024 rookie showed consistent flashes of brilliance, including four games with over 300 passing yards and a string of 11 touchdowns to one interception over his last seven games. Broussard described Williams as his “darkest horse” due to his undeniable talent and potential to lead the Chicago Bears into playoff contention.
2. Baker Mayfield: Coming off a career-best season that included 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a completion rate exceeding 71%, Mayfield heads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into another promising campaign. Broussard remarked,
   

   “They [Bucs] should win that division,”

   and noted significant additions such as Ohio State receiver Egbuka alongside established stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

3. Brock Purdy: Despite ranking third, Purdy’s MVP odds receive a considerable boost from his soft schedule and experienced offense. Broussard acknowledged Purdy’s strong character and desire to live up to his contract, saying,
   

   “He wants to live up to his money. He’s a good, outstanding guy.”

Purdy’s Commitment to Improvement and Simplifying His Game

After securing his contract, Purdy demonstrated a focused and self-critical mindset heading into the 2025 season. He reflected on the previous year’s struggles with timing, footwork, and accuracy, acknowledging areas for refinement. As he put it,

“It’s going back to the fundamentals.”

He confessed,

“I wasn’t on top of it like I could have been.”

With support from head coach Kyle Shanahan and offensive specialists Kubiak and Mick Lombardi, Purdy revisited his rookie footage to regain the automatic rhythm that defined his breakout campaign.

Rather than introducing complex new plays, Purdy advocates for streamlining the offense to emphasize basics. This approach aims to rebuild a foundation of consistency and precision, essential for sustaining an MVP-level performance across an entire season.

Evaluating the Broader MVP Race and Future Implications

The MVP conversation for 2025 extends beyond individual talent, hinging on how well quarterbacks navigate their supporting casts and schedules. Purdy’s potential to capture the award depends on balancing his impressive story against the scrutiny of the competitive field and external factors like roster changes and opponent strength.

If Purdy excels against the 49ers’ manageable schedule, the transformation from “Mr. Irrelevant” to MVP champion will be a compelling narrative in NFL history. However, failure to maintain elite play could raise questions about the wisdom of his contract extension.

Meanwhile, contenders like Caleb Williams and Baker Mayfield stand ready to challenge Purdy’s claim. Williams’ breakthrough rookie season positions him as an exciting underdog capable of rewriting expectations in a tough NFC North division, while Mayfield’s steady improvement and strong supporting cast make him a formidable force in the NFC South.

This dynamic MVP race sets up a compelling season where talent, team context, and opportunity intersect in unpredictable ways. As Brock Purdy prepares to lead the 49ers into the 2025 schedule, all eyes will watch how his story unfolds—whether it cements a legacy or becomes a cautionary tale about early forecasting in the salary cap era.