NFL MVP 2025 Race: Finalists Revealed Ahead of Super Bowl 60

As the curtain prepares to fall on a thrilling 2025 NFL season, with Super Bowl 60 just days away, the league is buzzing with anticipation. While the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks gear up for the ultimate showdown, another set of highly coveted accolades is about to be distributed. Before the kickoff of the sport's biggest game, the annual NFL Honors ceremony will shine a spotlight on the individuals who defined excellence throughout the season, with the Most Valuable Player award standing as the crown jewel of the evening. This year's MVP race has been particularly captivating, featuring a blend of veteran brilliance and rising star power, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of recognition.

The Pinnacle of Individual Achievement: The MVP Race Heats Up

The Most Valuable Player award in the NFL is more than just a trophy; it's a testament to unparalleled skill, leadership, and impact on a team's success. Voted on by a panel of 50 media members, this award often goes to the quarterback who elevates his team to contender status, but occasionally, a transcendent non-QB talent breaks through. The 2025 season has delivered a compelling roster of candidates, each with a strong case for taking home the hardware. Let's dive into the elite group of finalists who have captured the league's attention:

Rams QB Matthew Stafford: The veteran signal-caller for the Los Angeles Rams has seemingly found a new gear in the 2025 season. Stafford’s mastery of the Rams' offense, his ability to make clutch throws under pressure, and his unwavering leadership have been pivotal in guiding his team to significant success. His precision passing and knack for critical plays have kept the Rams competitive, solidifying his status as a perennial threat and demonstrating that experience truly matters.
Patriots QB Drake Maye: A phenomenal season from the New England Patriots' young quarterback has launched him into the MVP conversation. Maye's rapid development, combined with his dual-threat capabilities and uncanny ability to extend plays, has completely revitalized the Patriots franchise. His impressive stat line, coupled with New England's unexpected run to Super Bowl 60, makes him a compelling narrative for the league's top individual honor. He represents the future, delivering in the present.
Bills QB Josh Allen: Consistently one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, Josh Allen continues to redefine the quarterback position for the Buffalo Bills. His blend of elite arm talent, surprising mobility, and sheer toughness makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Allen's ability to shoulder the offensive load and deliver game-winning performances, often through sheer will, has once again placed him firmly among the league's elite. His consistency year after year is a testament to his unique skill set.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey: Breaking the traditional QB dominance, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers has proven why an elite running back can be truly "most valuable." McCaffrey's unparalleled versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher has made him the engine of the 49ers' high-powered offense. His ability to consistently gain yardage, score touchdowns, and be a focal point in every aspect of the offensive game plan showcases his irreplaceable value. If a non-quarterback were to win, McCaffrey's all-purpose brilliance makes him a prime candidate.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence: Trevor Lawrence has continued his ascent as a franchise quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, orchestrating a high-octane offense that has consistently challenged opponents. His composure in the pocket, accurate deep ball, and increasing command of the game have been instrumental in the Jaguars' success. Lawrence's growth and ability to lead his team through crucial moments highlight his maturation into one of the league's premier signal-callers.

Each of these finalists has delivered a season worthy of recognition, making the decision for media voters incredibly tough. The debate will undoubtedly rage until Jon Hamm, the Emmy-winning host, unveils the winner.

Beyond the MVP: A Full Slate of NFL Honors

While the MVP award rightly garners the most headlines, the NFL Honors ceremony is a comprehensive celebration of excellence across the entire league. From coaching masterminds to breakthrough rookies, and from defensive stalwarts to community heroes, numerous other prestigious awards are also presented. These honors reflect the diverse talents and contributions that collectively make the NFL the spectacle it is.

Among the other key awards to be presented are:

AP Coach of the Year: Recognizing the sideline general who best guided his team through the season's challenges. Finalists like Bears coach Ben Johnson, Jaguars coach Liam Coen, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel showcase the strategic brilliance required to succeed.
AP Offensive Player of the Year: Awarded to the player, often a skill position player, who put up the most dominant offensive statistics. This year's contenders include Rams WR Puka Nacua, Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Patriots QB Drake Maye.
AP Defensive Player of the Year: Highlighting the defensive force who consistently disrupted opponents. This year's battle features Texans DE Will Anderson Jr., Broncos LB Nik Bonitto, Browns DE Myles Garrett, Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson, and Packers EDGE Micah Parsons.
AP Comeback Player of the Year: Honoring a player who has overcome adversity, such as injury or poor performance, to excel.
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year & AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Celebrating the most impactful first-year players on both sides of the ball, with Giants QB Jaxson Dart among the offensive nominees.
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Perhaps the most meaningful award, recognizing a player's outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as his excellence on the field.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025: The esteemed group of legends who will be immortalized in Canton.
Other awards include the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year, Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, and the NFL Inspire Change Tribute.

How to Catch All the Action: Your MVP Awards Stream Guide

For fans eager to witness the reveal of the NFL's Most Valuable Player and all the other prestigious honors, tuning into the NFL Honors ceremony is a must. This annual event has become a cornerstone of Super Bowl week, setting the tone for the championship game and celebrating individual greatness. If you're looking for an mvp awards stream or want to catch the full show, here's everything you need to know:

The 2025 NFL Honors ceremony is scheduled for:

Date: Thursday, February 5th
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
Host: Emmy-winning actor Jon Hamm

Where to Watch:

You have multiple options to ensure you don't miss a single moment of the awards:

TV Broadcast: The ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC and NFL Network.
Live Stream: For those preferring to stream, Peacock and NFL+ will provide live coverage. Ensure your subscriptions are active to guarantee seamless access.

To get even more detailed information on how to access the live stream and watch every award presented, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide: How to Stream NFL Honors 2025: Watch MVP & All Awards Live. For a deeper dive into what to expect from Jon Hamm and all the major award reveals, our NFL Honors 2025 Preview: Jon Hamm Hosts MVP & Major Award Reveals article has you covered. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for a night of gridiron glamour!

The Road to Super Bowl 60 and Beyond

The NFL Honors, traditionally held on the Thursday before the Super Bowl in the host city, perfectly bridges the gap between the regular season's end and the championship game. This year, with San Francisco hosting Super Bowl 60, the Palace of Fine Arts provides a stunning backdrop for the league's biggest stars to gather. The individual accolades awarded at the Honors are often reflections of the team success achieved, and in many cases, foretell the potential for Super Bowl glory. The presence of Patriots QB Drake Maye and 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey among the MVP finalists, alongside their coaches in the Coach of the Year race, underscores how individual brilliance and team performance are inextricably linked.

Beyond the immediate excitement of the MVP reveal, NFL Honors also serves as a poignant moment to reflect on the legacy of the game. The unveiling of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 celebrates the careers of those who have left an indelible mark on football history, inspiring current and future generations. It’s a moment for reflection, celebration, and looking forward to the next chapter of NFL excellence.

As Super Bowl 60 approaches, the NFL Honors ceremony provides a fitting prelude, recognizing the extraordinary talent and dedication that make professional football so compelling. Whether you're rooting for a specific MVP candidate or simply enjoying the celebration of the league's best, Thursday night promises to be a memorable event. Don't miss your chance to witness history unfold as the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player and other award winners are finally revealed.