The NFL has unveiled its list of finalists for the league’s top individual honors, and once again, Josh Allen finds himself in the spotlight. The Buffalo Bills quarterback has been named a finalist for the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award-marking his fifth appearance at the “NFL Honors” ceremony.
Allen took home the MVP hardware last season, capping off a dominant 2024 campaign with a heartfelt acceptance speech that resonated with fans across the league. But this year, the road to a repeat looks a bit steeper. Despite another impressive statistical season-accounting for 39 total touchdowns (25 through the air, 14 on the ground) and 4,147 combined yards (3,668 passing, 579 rushing)-Allen enters the race as somewhat of a dark horse.
That’s less an indictment of Allen’s play and more a reflection of the standout performances around the league. Rams veteran Matthew Stafford and Patriots rookie sensation Drake Maye are viewed as the frontrunners.
Stafford, with his trademark deep-ball precision and command of Sean McVay’s offense, reminded everyone he’s still got plenty left in the tank. Meanwhile, Maye’s emergence in New England has been nothing short of electric, injecting life into a franchise that had been searching for its next great quarterback since Tom Brady’s departure.
Also in the mix: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Lawrence continues to grow into the franchise quarterback role, showing poise and playmaking ability in a Jaguars offense that’s leaned heavily on his arm and athleticism.
And McCaffrey-well, he’s doing what McCaffrey does: racking up yards, touchdowns, and making defenders miss in space. His nomination is a nod to the rare impact a running back can still have in today’s pass-heavy league.
The MVP winner will be revealed during the “NFL Honors” show on February 5, and while Allen’s numbers certainly warrant recognition, the buzz suggests he’s a step behind the pack this time around. Still, five nominations in six seasons is a testament to the consistency and high-level production he’s brought to Buffalo.
Notably, Allen is the only Bills player up for an award this year. Running back James Cook III, who had a strong campaign in his own right, was left off the Offensive Player of the Year shortlist-an omission that’s sure to raise some eyebrows in Western New York.
For now, though, all eyes are on Allen and whether he can pull off a surprise win in a loaded MVP field. Regardless of the outcome, his place among the league’s elite is firmly cemented.