The NFL’s MVP race is heating up, and the Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, just delivered a show-stopping play that could be a game-changer in the conversation. If anybody didn’t catch the Commanders’ dramatic win over the Chicago Bears, they missed an instant classic.
With just seconds remaining, Daniels launched a last-chance Hail Mary from 52 yards out, threading a pass through chaos. The ball was tipped near the goal line and miraculously landed in receiver Noah Brown’s hands to secure a stunning, walk-off win. This play isn’t just unforgettable—it’s given Daniels a strong case for MVP.
Is it enough to push him over the top? Let’s look closer at Daniels’ impact on the MVP rankings and how he’s faring against some of the league’s biggest names this season.
5. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills continue to roll, and even though Allen isn’t sitting atop the MVP race, his stats and leadership keep him firmly in the mix. After leading the Bills to a 31-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Allen completed 24 of 34 passes for 283 yards, scoring twice and throwing just one interception. The win marked another strong performance for Allen, who has the Bills tied at the top of the AFC East.
Allen’s numbers this season are impressive: 14 touchdown passes and a solid QBR of 73.7, with Buffalo ranking second in touchdowns scored (28) and fifth in points per game (28.8). With a strong supporting cast and a dominant offense, Allen’s consistency keeps his stock level for now. But if he keeps delivering, he’ll remain a dark horse for MVP down the stretch.
4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to an impressive 7-0 record, the NFL’s only undefeated team, which only adds to his MVP case. Mahomes’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders wasn’t his flashiest outing, but it was enough to secure a 27-20 victory. Completing 27 of 38 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, Mahomes’ performance underscores his ability to lead Kansas City to wins even when his stats aren’t topping the charts.
However, Mahomes’ numbers show a mixed bag. He’s fourth in passing success rate at 51.5% but has struggled with turnovers, tying for the most interceptions in the league (9). While his passing yards per game are middle-of-the-pack at 235.9, his leadership is keeping the Chiefs on track toward another potential Super Bowl. With more consistent performances, Mahomes might climb the rankings. For now, his MVP stock holds steady.
3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s MVP stock was strong in recent weeks, but the Ravens’ narrow 29-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns took a toll. Jackson still had some standout moments, tossing two touchdown passes and securing a late lead on Derrick Henry’s 2-yard score. But he was ultimately outperformed by a backup quarterback, leaving the Ravens with a frustrating loss and a temporary setback in their race for the AFC’s top playoff seed.
The Ravens had been riding a five-game winning streak, but the loss pushes Jackson down a notch in the MVP race. With the Chiefs remaining undefeated, Baltimore’s path to the No. 1 seed is now tougher. Jackson is far from out of the running, but he’ll need to bounce back with a few statement games to regain momentum.
2. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Jared Goff’s numbers last week might look unusual, but they tell the story of a quarterback working efficiently in a well-rounded Lions offense. In a dominant 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, Goff completed 12 of 15 passes for 85 yards and three touchdowns. The Lions didn’t rely solely on Goff, as they got a major lift from special teams with both a punt return and a kickoff return for touchdowns.
Detroit’s offense currently leads the NFL in scoring with 33.4 points per game, and Goff has been an integral part of this high-powered attack. With the Lions sitting at 6-1 and claiming the NFC’s top seed, Goff’s role in Detroit’s success solidifies his No. 2 ranking. But he’ll need to keep racking up wins—and highlight-reel plays—if he’s to climb higher.
1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Once again, Jayden Daniels is the MVP frontrunner, and it’s hard to argue about his impact on the Commanders’ season. As the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Daniels has injected new energy into Washington’s offense, and his Hail Mary against the Bears may be the most clutch play we’ve seen all year. With this miracle win, Daniels pushed the Commanders to first place in the NFC East and kept them second overall in the NFC.
While Daniels has just seven touchdown passes, the Commanders’ offense ranks fifth in total touchdowns (24) and third in points per game (29.5). Daniels has orchestrated a powerful offense and helped Washington become a legitimate playoff contender. He could also become the second rookie ever to win NFL MVP, joining Hall of Famer Jim Brown, who won the award in 1957.
Jayden Daniels’ big plays and late-game heroics have given him a huge boost in the MVP race. If he keeps leading Washington to victories and dazzling with highlight-reel moments, Daniels might just turn that frontrunner status into an MVP title.
