Jonathan Taylor might have an outside chance at being named NFL MVP in 2025. If he were having the same level of success as a quarterback as he is having as a running back, there'd be no argument. The Indianapolis Colts star would be the runaway winner.
But he is somewhat hamstrung by a league that no longer gives its top award to anyone other than a QB. It hasn't happened since 2012 when Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson took home the trophy. Since then, two running backs have gone over the magic 2,000-yard mark and not won MVP.
Taylor isn't trending that way this year, either, even though he is having a special season. The Colts' offense is a well-balanced machine, so Taylor might not get enough carries to get over 2,000 yards, though he should come close.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor named AFC Offensive Player of the Week again
The NFL is aware of his presence, of course. For his Week 10 performance against the Atlanta Falcons, a game Taylor nearly single-handedly stole from Atlanta, he has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. This is the third time this season he has won the award, the first two times coming in Weeks 2 and 3.
Against the Falcons, Taylor ran for 244 yards on 32 carries and had another 44 yards receiving. He scored three touchdowns, including an 83-yard jaunt that was a thing of amazing beauty.
The game marked Taylor's third game in his career running for over 200 yards. He has scored three touchdowns in five games this season, only the fourth player in NFL history to have at least three total touchdowns in as many games in a single season. It is with the touchdowns that the Colts' running back might have his best argument for MVP.
AFC Players of the Week! (Week 10)@JayT23 | @DHunt94_TX | @NwangwuKene | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/GfVGtghzlT
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2025
Through Week 10, he leads the league in rushing (1,139), yards per carry (6.0), and yards per scrimmage (1,399). His 17 total touchdowns lead the NFL as well, and the all-time mark in a single season is 31.
Taylor's current pace has him reaching 29. That is a tremendous amount, of course, but the running back might need to do something historical to be named MVP. Breaking the touchdown mark might be just the thing.
He has accomplished one bit of history this season. He became the Indianapolis Colts' all-time leader in terms of rushing touchdowns. He broke Edgerrin James' record during Week 10.