The NFL season is past its halfway point, and the MVP race is as competitive as ever. Stats always matter, but records matter too. An MVP performance that carries a winning team gets more shine than one putting up big numbers in losses. Here’s how the top five stack up — both individually and in the standings.
1.
Saquon Barkley – RB, Eagles (8–0)
Stats:
- Rushing: 143 carries, 1,266 yards (8.9 avg), 19 TDs, long 80
- Receiving: 29 catches, 504 yards (17.4 avg), 6 TDs, long 71
- Total TDs: 25
Case:
The numbers are already historic — over 1,700 scrimmage yards and 25 touchdowns through 8 games. But the kicker? Philly is undefeated (8–0). Barkley is the driving force behind the Eagles’ dominance, and it’s hard to imagine any voter putting someone else ahead of a dual-threat back on a perfect team. If the Eagles keep this pace, it could be a runaway.
2.
Trevor Lawrence – QB, Jaguars (7–0)
Stats:
- Passing: 168/227 (74%), 2,365 yards (10.4 avg), 27 TDs, 2 INTs, 142.1 QBR
- Rushing: 25 carries, 111 yards, 5 TDs
Case:
Jacksonville hasn’t lost a game either, sitting at 7–0 with Lawrence leading the way. His 74% completion rate and sparkling 27–2 TD/INT ratio scream MVP. Add in 5 rushing touchdowns, and Lawrence’s all-around efficiency is unmatched. The only reason he’s sitting behind Barkley is Saquon’s absurd production and Philly’s undefeated record.
3.
Caleb Williams – QB, Bears (6–2)
Stats:
- Passing: 181/266 (68%), 3,124 yards (11.7 avg), 34 TDs, 14 INTs, 125.4 QBR
- Rushing: 27 carries, 75 yards, 6 TDs
Case:
Chicago is 6–2, but those two losses are the reason Williams isn’t higher. Statistically, he’s the best pure passer in the league: 3,124 yards and 34 TDs lead the NFL. The turnovers (14 INTs) are the blemish on his resume, and they’ve cost his team in key spots. If he cuts down on mistakes and the Bears keep winning, he could push into the top two.
4.
Anthony Richardson Sr. – QB, Colts (4–5)
Stats:
- Passing: 168/245 (69%), 2,285 yards (9.3 avg), 15 TDs, 4 INTs
- Rushing: 87 carries, 604 yards (6.9 avg), 8 TDs
Case:
Richardson is putting up video game numbers as a dual-threat — over 600 rushing yards and 8 TDs, plus another 15 scores through the air. On pure talent and impact, he belongs at the very top. But Indy is just 4–5, under .500, and that hurts his case badly. He’s still in the race, but unless the Colts turn their record around, Richardson will be seen more as a highlight machine than a true MVP frontrunner.
5.
Michael Penix Jr. – QB, Falcons (6–2)
Stats:
- Passing: 169/230 (73.5%), 2,583 yards (11.2 avg), 22 TDs, 3 INTs, 135.6 QBR
- Rushing: 36 carries, 114 yards, 4 TDs
Case:
Penix is the breakout star of the season. He’s been deadly accurate (73.5%) and efficient pushing the ball downfield (11.2 yards per attempt). With 26 total TDs and just 3 picks, he’s proving to be the stabilizer Atlanta’s been missing. More importantly, the Falcons are 6–2 and in control of the NFC South. If they finish strong, Penix could climb fast.
🔥 MVP Ladder Outlook
- Saquon Barkley: Clear leader with an undefeated Eagles squad and jaw-dropping production.
- Trevor Lawrence: Nearly flawless efficiency on an undefeated Jaguars team — the cleanest QB case.
- Caleb Williams: The gunslinger with the biggest yardage and TD totals, but turnovers + 2 losses hold him back.
- Anthony Richardson: The most dynamic dual-threat in football, but weighed down by a losing record.
- Michael Penix Jr.: The rising star delivering efficiency and wins, keeping Atlanta relevant.
As it stands, Barkley and Lawrence are pulling away thanks to elite numbers + perfect records, while Williams, Richardson, and Penix are trying to make noise with stat lines that could break record books by season’s end.
