As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fans and oddsmakers alike are zeroing in on the league’s biggest stars and the potential for a blockbuster campaign. Three quarterbacks dominate the early conversations — Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. Each brings a unique blend of talent, leadership, and narrative appeal that makes them prime candidates not only for the NFL MVP award but also to lead their teams to Super Bowl glory.
Patrick Mahomes: The Standard-Bearer
When you talk about modern greatness in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes’ name sits at the top. The Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar is the perennial MVP favorite and a fixture in the AFC Championship picture. Mahomes has already won two MVPs and three Super Bowls, setting a standard for excellence that makes him the safest bet for both honors again in 2025.
Oddsmakers love Mahomes because of his consistency and the fact that the Chiefs have built a dynasty around him and Andy Reid. With key weapons like Travis Kelce (assuming he plays another year) and an ever-evolving supporting cast, Mahomes thrives under pressure and delivers highlight-reel plays when it matters most.
However, with success comes scrutiny. After another deep playoff run in 2024, the big question is whether Mahomes can stay healthy for another full campaign and whether the Chiefs’ retooled defense can keep up with AFC powerhouses. If so, betting against Mahomes feels foolish — the odds for him to win MVP are already among the shortest on the board.
Josh Allen: The Challenger Who Needs a Breakthrough
Few quarterbacks are as electrifying as Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills’ star has every physical tool — arm strength, mobility, and fearlessness — but he’s yet to break through the Super Bowl ceiling. For years, the narrative around Allen has been tantalizing potential mixed with heartbreaking playoff exits.
Oddsmakers still see Allen as an MVP-caliber player. His odds remain high because the Bills live and die with his playmaking. If Buffalo’s front office can give Allen a reliable run game and strengthen the defense — especially after last season’s inconsistency — the Bills could finally deliver on their Super Bowl promise.
An MVP run for Allen hinges on cutting down turnovers and delivering signature wins against Mahomes, Jackson, and other AFC rivals. He’s more than capable — but Bills fans know hope must finally translate into hardware.
Lamar Jackson: The X-Factor
When healthy, Lamar Jackson is one of the most unstoppable players in football. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback proved doubters wrong last season, winning his second MVP and guiding Baltimore to the AFC Championship Game. Yet, questions remain about whether the Ravens can stay healthy enough around Jackson to take the next step.
Baltimore’s system under John Harbaugh is tailor-made for Lamar’s unique skill set — dynamic running, explosive passing, and improvisation. His ability to take over games with his legs and arm makes him a nightmare for defenses and a smart bet for both MVP and a Super Bowl run if the Ravens can avoid late-season injuries.
Oddsmakers give Jackson strong MVP odds, but his Super Bowl prospects are more volatile than Mahomes or Allen because the AFC is so competitive. Baltimore’s defense must match Jackson’s brilliance, and new weapons like rookie receivers or tight ends will need to produce immediately.
So, Who’s the Best Bet?
If you’re betting on MVP alone, Mahomes remains the safe pick because he plays at an elite level week after week. Allen is the high-upside, high-risk play — his path to MVP is clear if he can clean up mistakes and outduel the best. Jackson is the wildcard with the highest highlight potential but the biggest health caveat.
For the Super Bowl, Mahomes and the Chiefs are proven, but both Allen and Jackson could finally break through in a league that desperately wants new blood at the top. The AFC gauntlet is brutal, but any of these three quarterbacks could be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come February.
The Final Word
All three QBs are worth watching — and betting on — in 2025. Mahomes is the gold standard, Allen is the nearly-man looking to break through, and Jackson is the showman who might just rewrite the narrative once more. One thing’s for sure: the MVP race and the road to the Super B
owl will run through them all.
