As the NFL season nears, discussions about potential MVP candidates are already gaining momentum. Among the names attracting attention this year are some unlikely contenders, including Kyler Murray, a familiar figure striving to regain top form, and newcomers Bijan Robinson of the Falcons and Malik Nabers of the Giants, who are making unexpected cases for the 2025 MVP title.
Bijan Robinson’s Chance to End the Running Back MVP Drought
Following an impressive sophomore season, Falcons’ running back Bijan Robinson is positioning himself as a dynamic force in the league. In the past year, Robinson rushed for 1,456 yards, ranking third in the NFL, and accounted for 14 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 61 passes, accumulating 431 receiving yards, placing him fourth in total yards from scrimmage across the league. His increasing role in the Falcons’ offense has led to a steady rise in production and influence as the season advanced.
NFL analyst Eric Edholm acknowledges the challenge Robinson faces given the historical difficulty for running backs to secure MVP honors.
“Some will disagree with this choice,”
Edholm admitted,
“and given that only three running backs have won an MVP award since 2001 (and none since 2012), history is on my skeptics’ side… It’s going to take a Barkley-esque yardage total and 20-plus TDs… but I like his chances better right now than those of Michael Penix Jr.”
Despite the trend against running backs capturing MVP awards, Robinson’s impressive statistics, combined with his increasing workload and the possibility of the Falcons improving in the NFC South, make him a candidate worth watching.
Kyler Murray’s Silent Yet Strong Return After ACL Recovery
Kyler Murray may not have drawn widespread headlines in 2024, but his performance suggests a significant comeback following an ACL injury. Murray played all 17 games, passing for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns with a completion rate close to 69%. Additionally, he delivered his best rushing stats since 2020, totaling 572 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
According to Edholm,
“I think Murray quietly had one of his best seasons last year,”
highlighting that
“He’s reaching the peak of his career just as the Cardinals appear to be rounding into form.”
The Cardinals notably doubled their wins compared to the previous year, demonstrating progress on offense and defense. If Murray can minimize the inconsistent performances that have hampered the offense at times, his combination of passing and running threat could elevate his MVP candidacy.
Malik Nabers: A Rising Star Emerging as a Dark Horse
Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers turned heads in 2024 despite setbacks at the quarterback position. Playing with multiple starters, including Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle, Nabers still managed to post outstanding numbers. He caught 109 passes, amassed 1,204 receiving yards, and scored seven touchdowns over 15 games, ranking him among the league leaders in receptions and yards.
Edholm remarked,
“The Giants will get the ball into Nabers’ hands any way they can,”
emphasizing that
“He’s clearly the best weapon they possess, which could make him the darkest of dark-horse candidates… And that was with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle throwing him the ball.”
Nabers’ ability to produce impressive stats despite quarterback changes signals his potential to impact the MVP race if he and the Giants maintain momentum into 2025.
Potential Shifts in the 2025 MVP Race
While none of these three are frontrunners in the traditional MVP conversation, their 2024 performances position them as intriguing possibilities for 2025. Robinson’s versatile threats out of the backfield, Murray’s resurgence in both passing and rushing, and Nabers’ breakout receiving numbers each offer unique paths to MVP consideration. Should their teams continue to improve, these unexpected players may play pivotal roles in reshaping the MVP landscape next season.