JaMarr Chase Baker Mayfield and Travis Hunter spark new MVP debate as non favorites take the lead

The 2025 NFL MVP talk is heating up, and it’s not just about the big names like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. This year, a few surprising players have entered the conversation. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, two-way rookie Travis Hunter, and experienced quarterback Baker Mayfield are now being called “dark horses” for the award.

Fans are shocked. How did these three end up in the MVP race? What did they do to earn this spotlight? Their journeys are different, but all three have shown something special that’s now hard to ignore.

Ja’Marr Chase Travis Hunter and Baker Mayfield listed as MVP dark horses for 2025

On June 17, 2025, NFL.com and various other sites focused on Ja’Marr Chase, Travis Hunter, and Baker Mayfield as dark horse candidates for the 2025 MVP race. Ja’Marr Chase is a talented wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who had a solid 2024 season with some monster catches and massive yards even as the team struggled.

His current MVP odds are +10000, a pretty uncommon spot for a wide receiver.

Travis Hunter, the rookie phenom selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in April 2025 shocked many by being on that list of potential MVP candidates. Travis Hunter, only 21, plays on both sides of the ball — wide receiver and cornerback — something no one has done in the league at this level in recent years. His college career at Colorado ended with several honors, including the 2024 AP Player of the Year.

Sportswriter Judy Battista called him “a rare kind of player who could change MVP voting forever.

”Baker Mayfield, Burgess Buccaneers quarterback, had a massive year in 2024, bouncing back from the previous season. He passed for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, with a 71.4% pass completion percentage. He finished at +3300 odds for MVP. Experts believe that if Baker Mayfield leads the Bucs to a strong playoff run, he could surprise everyone in the MVP race.

Coaches and experts give credit to strong work ethic and leadership

In an interview with ESPN on June 20, 2025, Burgess Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said, “Baker Mayfield stepped up as a true leader last season.” Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson also praised Travis Hunter’s “high football IQ and non-stop motor.”

Bengals QB Joe Burrow said about Ja’Marr Chase, “He does things on the field no one else can.”All three players are turning heads—and maybe the MVP race too.

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