Baker Mayfield is setting up a strong campaign to challenge the MVP frontrunners. But who else could spoil the plot?

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season due to their struggles, but at least one player feels the blame doesn't fall on star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes earns his third FedEx Air player nomination in 2025 | @EdEastonJr

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke a bit about this last week ahead of Rice’s return. Nagy said he’s been most encouraged by Rice’s desire to improve with specific routes, even if they figured to be only a limited part of his overall arsenal.

The NFL MVP market is really starting to take shape as the season nears its halfway point, as Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Drake Maye and Matthe

Chiefs receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, from left, and Rashee Rice (No. 4) share a laugh with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (No. 15) on the sideline late in an NFL Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Dominick Williams [email protected]

Mahomes, 30, has been surgical this season despite wide receivers Xavier Worthy missing time with an injury, and Rashee Rice being suspended for the first six games. Even with the adversity he has faced this season, Mahomes has never once publicly complained and continues to put his head down and grind.