2025 NFL MVP Inventory Watch: Daniel Jones Has Entered The Chat

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is aware of when a quarterback is on a heater.

Steichen coached Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert whereas serving because the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. He additionally labored with Jalen Hurts when he first took over because the staff’s beginning quarterback throughout his tenure as offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles.

And now, as the top coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Steichen has an up-close view of the NFL’s newest reclamation undertaking: Daniel Jones. Like Geno Smith, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield earlier than him, Jones has remodeled into an elite performer by means of the primary three weeks of the season after getting launched by the New York Giants final season earlier than spending the top of the yr with the Minnesota Vikings. 

“I believe he’s simply seeing it rather well, getting us in the precise performs,” Steichen mentioned. “He’s delivering the ball with accuracy. He’s taking part in actually freaking good proper now.” 

Jones is third in passing yards (816), second in yards per try (9.3) and third in passer score (111.7) by means of the primary three weeks of the season. He is additionally solely been sacked twice in three video games, including 55 dashing yards and three dashing scores.

Daniel Jones has present true dual-threat skill throughout his first few video games with the Colts. He is statistically been one of many league’s greatest passers whereas dashing for 3 touchdowns.  (Photograph by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Photos)

Jones is taking part in at a excessive stage proper now, however is it sustainable? The groups Indianapolis has defeated this season are a mixed 1-8 this yr (Dolphins, Broncos and Titans), so the Colts will face their first actual check on the highway towards the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.

However Jones has rightly entered the MVP dialog along with his efficiency by means of the primary three weeks. And that’s proven along with his MVP odds enhancing to +8000 this week, in accordance with DraftKings Sportsbook.

Reigning MVP Josh Allen is the favourite this week at +250, adopted by Lamar Jackson (+300). Justin Herbert jumped from +800 to +500 after one other stellar efficiency in main the Los Angeles Chargers to a 3-0 file.

Right here’s a better have a look at my high 5 for MVP Watch heading into Week 4.

1. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Payments (Final week: 2)

Allen and the Payments are using a 13-game dwelling profitable streak with the winless New Orleans Saints up subsequent. Throughout that streak, Allen has posted 37 whole touchdowns and a 105.4 passer score. With a victory over New Orleans, the Payments would start the season 4-0 for the primary time since 2020.

One of many causes for Allen’s success this season is his effectivity within the brief passing recreation. Solely seven different quarterbacks have tried extra throws below 10 yards or behind the road of scrimmage. On these throws, Allen is 55 of 67 (82%) for 476 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Odds to win MVP: +250

2. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers (Final week: 4) 

Herbert leads the league in passing yards with 860, however these large numbers have come at a value. He was hit 14 instances and sacked 5 instances in his comeback win over the Denver Broncos final week. For the season, Herbert has been hit 52 instances and sacked 10 instances. Solely Joe Flacco (53) has been hit extra this yr. 

Justin Herbert has needed to extra for the Chargers’ offense that some may need thought he would this season, main the league in passing by means of the primary three weeks. (Photograph by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Photos)

Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman should additionally do a greater job of operating the soccer to create steadiness on offense. The Chargers are averaging 92 yards per recreation, No. 24 within the NFL. 

Odds to win MVP: +500

3. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (Final Week: 1)

Jackson is the fourth quarterback in NFL historical past with a passer score of at the least 125.0 in every of his staff’s first three video games of the common season, becoming a member of John Hadl (1973 with the Los Angeles Rams), Patrick Mahomes (2019) and Russell Wilson (2020).

Talking of Mahomes, Jackson faces his quarterback rival in a nationally televised contest on Sunday. It’s the seventh time prior to now eight seasons the Chiefs and Ravens have confronted off, together with the postseason. 5 of the earlier six conferences have all been determined by seven factors or fewer. Jackson is 1-4 all-time towards Mahomes. 

Odds to win MVP: +300

4. Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts (Final week: unranked)

Per Subsequent Gen Stats, Jones has accomplished 27 of 43 passes for an NFL-high 415 yards and a landing towards the blitz this season. His 59.6% success charge towards the blitz in 2024 is a lot better than his profession success charge of 40.9%.

The Colts have punted simply as soon as this yr. And with a win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Indianapolis can begin the season 4-0 for the primary time since 2009. 

Odds to win MVP: +8000

5. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Final week: unranked) 

The Oklahoma product debuts at No. 5 on the record after main the Buccaneers to a different late-game victory, this time towards the Jets. He was capable of get Tampa Bay in area aim vary after New York’s shocking blocked area aim landing return, giving the Buccaneers the win on the buzzer to enhance to 3-0. 

Mayfield has surprisingly discovered success this season by utilizing his ft. Mayfield has scrambled for 118 yards by means of three weeks, the second-most in a recreation in his profession, per Subsequent Gen Stats. He’s gained eight first downs on scrambles this season after changing 21 first downs all final season. 

And Mayfield’s nonetheless been one of many recreation’s high passers. He is led the NFL in landing passes (75) since 2023, logging six already this season (tied for fifth within the league). 

Odds to win MVP: +1800

Honorable point out: Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, Bijan Robinson, Patrick Mahomes, Jonathan Taylor.

Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for greater than a decade, masking the Los Angeles Rams for Sports activities Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma Information Tribune. Comply with him on X at @eric_d_williams.

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