The Man: Thirteen Sports’ MVP Picks
As the NFL regular season heads into its final stretch, the MVP conversation is finally sharpening into focus and unlike some years, this race isn’t just about quarterbacks stat-padding their way into the spotlight. This season has delivered breakout stars, record-pace production, and players carrying entire franchises on their backs.
The question in 2025 isn’t just who’s the best. It’s who’s been the most valuable.
And depending on who you ask, including our very opinionated Thirteen Sports admins, that answer takes on a few wildly different forms.
Jonathan Taylor: King of the Ground Game.
If there’s one player whose value cannot be overstated, it’s Jonathan Taylor. The Colts have leaned on him more than ever, and he has responded with a season straight out of a video game: 1,900+ rushing yards projected and nearly 30 touchdowns. When the Colts’ offense sputters, Taylor fixes it. When defenses stack the box, he plows through anyway.
Aimee Dickinson puts his impact in the simplest, most accurate terms:
“Jonathan Taylor should be the MVP. He’s been the most valuable PLAYER to the Colts, and really to the NFL with his highlight reel. Without him, the Colts would completely fall apart.”
And Caitlin McLaughlin, who leans quarterback in MVP discussions, still admits:
“On a regular day, I would say Jonathan Taylor deserves the MVP… every running back’s dream is having holes like that, and he just powers through.”
Taylor isn’t just producing. He’s carrying everything on his back and doing it weekly.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Receiver Who Won’t Back Down
No receiver has ever hit 2,000 receiving yards in a regular season and JSN has decided that sounds like a personal challenge. Week after week he’s been hauling in impossible catches, bailing out his quarterback, turning routine slants into highlight reels, and torching corners who absolutely know he’s getting the ball and still can’t do a thing about it.
Noah Lopez believes JSN’s season is unprecedented:
“JSN has been reeling in passes left and right. He’s on pace for 2,000 yards, something that’s never been done. You can’t look at this season and not include him.”
Noah takes it even further, arguing this year requires a rare approach:
“JT and JSN should both be awarded the MVP. Their level of play is extremely rare. You can’t pick one without the other.”
A running back and wide receiver sharing the MVP? This might be the year it actually makes sense.
Matthew Stafford – QB, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is the definition of steady excellence. At 37, he still throws with a rhythm and precision that most quarterbacks spend careers chasing. He’s the stabilizing force in a loaded Rams offense, and his consistency keeps Los Angeles competitive even when the rest of the roster wobbles.
Caitlin summed it up perfectly:
“Stafford has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the game.”
But she also acknowledges the complexity of his MVP candidacy:
“The only reason I say not Stafford is because of who’s around him. He’s got two top wide receivers and a top running back he’s throwing to.”
Stafford’s greatness is unquestioned. His value compared to others? That’s where the debate begins.
Drake Maye – QB, New England Patriots
If MVP is about elevating a franchise, Drake Maye’s name deserves a loud, bold-font highlight.
The Patriots entered the season projected for 7.5 wins. They now sit at 11–2, leading the AFC East with a young offense. Maye has been sacked, pressured, hit, battered and still delivers. Five sacks from Myles Garrett alone couldn’t slow him down with 250+ yards and multiple touchdowns in that game.
Caitlin built one of the clearest MVP cases of the season:
“Drake Maye… who does he have to throw to? Diggs and a bunch of people you’ve never heard of.”
She also points out the narrative-breaking wins:
“They beat Buffalo and Tampa on the road. Both games they were supposed to lose by a touchdown according to Vegas.”
For Caitlin, the equation is simple:
“He’s playing lights out behind an offensive line with two rookies. They’re 11–2. Drake ‘Drake Maye’ Maye, that is why you’re my MVP.”
Maye isn’t just winning games. He’s rewriting the Patriots’ entire trajectory.
So Who’s the MVP?
That depends on how you define value.
Historic domination: Jonathan Taylor or JSN
Stability and elite quarterbacking: Matthew Stafford
Lifting a young roster into contention: Drake Maye (11–2 and climbing)
Team survival depending on one player: Jonathan Taylor
Aimee said it best:
“People forget the P stands for Player, not Quarterback.”
In a season with no clear script and no easy answers, this MVP race has become a reflection of everything that makes the league unpredictable and unforgettable. And if you ask the Thirteen Sports admins, that’s exactly what makes it fun! Whether you’re team Taylor, team JSN, team Stafford, or firmly in the Drake Maye camp, the arguments are passionate, the cases are compelling, and the debates aren’t slowing down. Which is exactly why the Thirteen Sports admins have had so much to say about it. When the season’s final whistle blows and the MVP is announced, the debates will only get hotter. And trust us: the admins will be ready.
