NFL MVP Power Rankings: Top 10 Candidates Ahead of Week 12

NFL MVP Power Rankings: Top 10 Candidates Ahead of Week 12. Read NFL MVP Power Rankings: Top 10 Candidates Ahead of Week 12

NFL MVP Power Rankings: Top 10 Candidates Ahead of Week 12

The NFL season is past the halfway point, and the MVP race is finally coming together. Who are the top MVP candidates ahead of Week 12? Who were the biggest risers and fallers? Let’s dive in!

No. 10 - Bo Nix, DEN

While he has not posted the most impressive metrics, Bo Nix continues to lead Denver to victory. Last weekend, Nix and the Broncos pulled off their most critical win of the season, which has nearly booked their ticket to the postseason.

During their victory over the Chiefs on Sunday, Nix went 24-for-37 with 295 yards and no scores. Since his four-TD outing back in Week 8, Nix has averaged 206.0 passing yards over his last three games.

No. 9 - Sam Darnold. SEA

Darnold and the Seahawks were unable to get the job done in a crucial NFC West clash on Sunday, but he still sits in our top-10. In this game, Darnold had his worst outing of the campaign, throwing four interceptions with 279 yards in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

However, prior to this disappointing production, Darnold averaged a strong 271.4 passing yards per game with a 12:4 TD:INT over his last five games.

No. 8 - Patrick Mahomes, KC

Even though his team is outside the playoff picture, Mahomes is enjoying an impressive statistical campaign and will remain on this list. During their loss to the Broncos, Mahomes tallied 276 yards through the air and threw another passing score. Since Week 5, Mahomes has averaged an eye-catching 281.0 yards per game.

Through 10 games, Mahomes has thrown for 2,625 yards with 18 passing scores, four rushing scores, and six interceptions.

No. 7 - Jonathan Taylor, IND

The only non-QB on this list will be running back Jonathan Taylor. In order for a non-QB to even be in the MVP discussions, they would have to be having a record-breaking campaign, and Taylor fits this bill. Through 10 games, the star running back is on pace to smash records, tallying 1,195 yards on the ground with 17 total TDs.

Before his Week 11 bye, Taylor totaled 244 yards with three rushing scores in their win over the Falcons in Berlin.

No. 6 - Daniel Jones, IND

Taylor’s QB, Daniel Jones, is also in the heat of MVP discussions. After being an afterthought following his disastrous 2024 season in New York, many expected Jones to narrowly hold onto the starting job in Indianapolis. However, he has led the Colts to an 8-2 record and has brought them to legit Super Bowl contender status.

Through 10 games, Jones has tallied 2,659 passing yards with 15 passing scores and has added 143 yards and another five scores with his legs.

No. 5 - Jalen Hurts, PHI

After a strong first half, Jalen Hurts had to cool down from a scorching perspective. However, he has continued to lead the Eagles to a victory, which is why he remains in the top half of the list. Last weekend, during their victory over the Lions, Hurts threw for just 135 yards but punched in the team’s only score on the ground.

Before averaging just 159.0 passing yards per game with just two total TDs in Weeks 10 and 11, Hurts scored 10 total TDs and averaged 209.6 passing yards per game over his first eight games.

No. 4 - Lamar Jackson, BAL

Since returning from injury, Lamar Jackson has brought the Ravens right back into the playoff race. Over the first three games post-injury, Jackson has found the back of the end zone five times (all passing) and totaled 573 passing yards with 60 rushing yards.

While the missed time could hurt his odds at winning the MVP, if he continues to lead Baltimore down the stretch and claims the AFC North title, he will make a strong case.

No. 3 - Josh Allen, BUF

After a disappointing loss in Miami in Week 10, Josh Allen wasted little time proving why he is a legitimate MVP candidate. In their thrilling victory over the Buccaneers, Allen combined for six touchdowns, three on the ground and three through the air. He totaled 317 passing yards and 40 rushing yards.

Through 10 games, Allen has thrown for 2,456 yards and totaled 28 TDs (18 passing, 10 rushing).

No. 2 - Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford had a down game by his standards in Week 11, but led the Rams to another victory. In their victory over the Seahawks, Stafford was not asked to do much, tallying just 133 yards with two touchdowns.

Overall, Stafford enters Week 12 with a near-perfect 27:2 TD:INT. He has averaged 255.7 passing yards per game and has even eclipsed the 375-yard mark in two games this season.

No. 1 - Drake Maye, NE

We have a new No. 1. After a week of sitting behind Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford on this list, Maye has finally earned the top spot. In their most recent IVC over the Jets, Maye went 25-for-34 with 281 yards, one score, and no interceptions. After tossing 10 interceptions as a rookie, Maye has thrown just five as a sophomore.

Through 11 games, the former third overall pick has held a 22:5 TD:INT (20 passing) with 2,836 passing yards. Over his last four, Maye is averaging 273.0 passing yards per game.