Lots of quarterbacks in the NFL are playing at an elite level, with a few surprising players atop the MVP race.
But there is a tried-and-true pick for the award that will at the very least interest bettors.
CBS Sports’ Josh Nagel makes a case for former two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, saying he’s longshot that deserves respect after what happened to the Baltimore Ravens in his absence.
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 05: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens laughs on the sidelines in the first half against the Houston Texans in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
If Lamar Jackson Balls Out After Injury, He Has a Case
The Ravens (1-5) have been really bad, like really bad, since Jackson injured his hamstring Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs (4-3). Luckily, the Ravens have a bye week and Jackson will be back the next time they play in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears (4-2).
The argument is because the Ravens have been exposed as miserable when their leader is out, Jackson deserves recognition if he turns the season around and leads Baltimore to the playoffs again. Of course, there’s not much Jackson can do about the defense, which ranks among the worst the league.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has been encouraged by an NFL executive to bring back senior advisor Dean Pees, who helped steady the ship last year for the Ravens.
The Ravens have managed only 13 total points in the two full games Jackson has missed. Before his injury, Jackson looked poised to make another run at the awardâand believe it or not, thereâs still a path for him to get back into contention, Nagel said.
Between Weeks 8 and 15, the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) are the only team on the schedule with a winning record. Jackson could rack up huge stats, and if the Ravens manage to surpass the Steelers in the AFC North, he would almost certainly get a boost in MVP consideration.
What Does the MVP Race Look Like?
Unfortunately for Jackson, the field of candidates is strong. Through the first few weeks of the season, several quarterbacks have presented their own case.
It could be argued that no one is playing better football than Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ Baker Mayfield, but there are some that are skeptical that the former No. 1 overall pick can produce all season long. Most of his wins this season have been fourth-quarter comeback victories.
The betting favorite right now is Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, who has played well through seven games, despite some team struggles early on. Mahomes has already won the award twice. He helped his case on Sunday, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders, 31-0, while throwing for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
The reigning MVP, Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills, looked as though he was running away with the award, but after two consecutive losses his odds were weaker this week. Allen recently struggled on “Monday Night Football” against the Atlanta Falcons.
Headed into Week 7, here is a list of betting odds for MVP:
- Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs: +200 (Last week +450)
- Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills: +275 (Last week +140)
- Baker Mayfield QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers +325 (Last week +750)
- Drake Maye QB, New England Patriots: (+1500)
- Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions: (+1500)
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