rewrite this title Three QBs with the best shot at winning MVP for the first time

After a handful of Hall of Fame running backs took home the award from the 1990s through the early 2010s, quarterbacks have ruled over MVP voting over the last decade. That doesn’t appear to be changing in 2025.

In recent years, though, the award has become even more exclusive, with only four different players winning MVP since 2018. While 2020 and 2021 MVP Aaron Rodgers likely won’t be in the mix this season, the rest of the winners from that span should be right back in the race.

Lamar Jackson (2019, 2023 winner), Patrick Mahomes (2018, 2022), and newly crowned winner Josh Allen once again lead what should be a tight battle for MVP. 

It does beg the question, though: does a new name have a chance in 2025?

The odds may not show it now, but there are a handful of quarterbacks who could join Allen, Mahomes and Jackson in the league’s upper echelon of playmakers. 

Here are three quarterbacks who could become a first-time NFL MVP.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals captain has been a star since he stepped foot in the league. But outside of his 2022 Super Bowl appearance, Joe Burrow has often had a shadow cast over him by the NFL’s top three QBs.

This season, though, Burrow is in a prime position to outperform several stars who many perceive as superior talents.

With a defense that’s talented enough to win games but could still require Burrow to throw late into contests, he should rank near the league in passing attempts. Boasting the NFL’s best one-two receiver punch in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, that should be music to Burrow’s ears.

Entering another season where the Bengals are viewed as fringe contenders, Burrow has the talent and supporting cast to get Cincinnati over the top while winning MVP in the process.

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

While the Green Bay Packers’ addition of All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons will undoubtedly help the team win more games, it will also allow Jordan Love an opportunity to put his stamp on this season’s race.

Love took a step back last year while dealing with an MCL sprain that slowed him down all season. Entering 2025 in full health, though, both Love and the Packers are primed to take the leap.

Love should be feeling more comfortable than ever in his third season as Green Bay’s full-time starter. While the team’s receiver room currently lacks a star, Matthew Golden could quickly assume the role as Love’s go-to target.

He’s a long shot, but if Love can improve on his 2023 form and the Packers can squeeze another productive season out of running back Josh Jacobs, the Packers QB has a chance.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert wasn’t asked to pass nearly as much in his first season with head coach Jim Harbaugh, but he didn’t exactly have the most reliable pass catchers at his disposal.

Keenan Allen is no longer a premier receiver, but his return to the Los Angeles Chargers creates an intriguing tandem with the team’s newest WR1, Ladd McConkey.

With one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s most talented backs in Omarion Hampton also at his disposal, Herbert could be working with the most complete offense he’d had in his six-year pro tenure.

It will take flashier numbers and even bigger improvement from the Chargers’ 11-6 record in 2024. But if Herbert’s stats are reminiscent of his Pro Bowl campaign in 2021, he could be a surprise MVP contender.