As the new NFL season approaches, excitement is mounting. Fans eagerly wait to see if the Kansas City Chiefs can come out fighting after their shock defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. And will the Dallas Cowboys have a story to tell about their exploits on the field rather than just their cheerleaders in what looks like an inevitable third season of America’s Sweethearts?
Observers are also asking whether this will be another season of record-breaking sums spent betting on NFL spreads, by super enthusiastic fans.
Then there’s the question of who will be in contention for MVP. In all likelihood they will be a likelihood they will be a quarterback, it just works out that way. And the chances are heavily in favor that it will be one of these seven players who carries off the crown.
Justin Herbert, LA Chargers
Now going into his seventh season in the NFL, Herbert will be very much hoping that this will finally be where he wins a playoff game. Last season, the Chargers lost in the Wild Card round to the Houston Texans, despite their best efforts. It was his first season with Jim Harbaugh as coach, assisted by Greg Roman, so it was undoubtedly a period of settling under the new regime. He was also asked to step up to become a team leader – and managed it admirably with 23 thrown touchdowns and just three interceptions.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Here’s another player who enjoyed considerable personal success last season, but without his team ever being able to reach the same heights. But, statistically speaking, he’s never done better. He completed 70.6% of all the passes he made over 4,918 yards, and achieved 43 touchdowns. He was also instrumental in helping team-mate Ja’Marr Chase pick up the triple crown for receiver, thanks to his 127 receptions, 1.708 rushing yards, and 17 touchdowns.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Last season, Jackson was named MVP thanks to his performances and extraordinary versatility. He may not be the most accurate or strongest thrower, but he can boast incredible efficiency in touchdowns. Twice in his career, he has come first in touchdown percentage, reaching an impressive 8.6% last season. He will be looking to regain his passing yard prowess that peaked in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, during which he exceeded the 1,000-yard mark.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The only question hanging over the head of Baker Mayfield in the coming season is how he will fare without the injured wide receiver Chris Godwin to catch his long-distance passes. But in his place, there will be Emeka Egbuka, who was picked up in the draft’s first round. Bucky Irving and Mike Evans will also help, maybe even increasing his 71.4% successful pass rate from last season.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts is the opposite of some of the QBs already mentioned, like Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. While his team cruised to victory in the Super Bowl, the first for him as a player, his stats for the rest of the season were the worst in his career. Still, at 2,903 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, they were respectable, and perhaps a reflection of the Eagles’ focus on their running game for the season.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
No top seven, or even top three, could be without this man. He’ll be going into the 2025-26 season still smarting from the Super Bowl loss. His age may also mean that his phenomenal powers may wane. Last season was the first in which he failed to throw for over 4,000 yards, and the 26 touchdowns were another all-time low. But he can look forward to having all the support he needs around him, including Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy, who are all fit and ready to go. So never write off the mighty Mahomes.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
While Mahomes has all that’s needed to reassert himself as the top QB of the season, he will have some serious competition in the form of Josh Allen. Whether throwing or running in 2024, and without the tremendous support he deserves following Stefon Diggs’s departure for Houston, he still managed to throw for 3,731 yards and conjure up 28 touchdowns. With 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, this was his best season ever – and he’s sure to be pushing to add a Super Bowl win to his achievements.
Looking ahead to this season, other notable mentions have to go to the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy at the 49ers, but they’re just not as good as this magnificent seven.
