Early MVP Frontrunners: Predicting the Standout Players of Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX is set to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the 2024 NFL season progresses, fans and analysts alike are already speculating about which players will emerge as the top contenders for the Super Bowl LIX MVP award. With several standout performers across the league, the race for the MVP title promises to be an exciting one. Let’s delve into the early frontrunners who have the potential to shine on the biggest stage.

Quarterbacks Leading the Charge

Historically, quarterbacks have dominated the Super Bowl MVP awards. Seven of the last ten MVP awards have been handed out to quarterbacks. This trend is likely to continue, with several elite quarterbacks currently leading their teams and putting up impressive numbers.

Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles): Fresh off a Super Bowl LIX victory where the Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, Hurts is an obvious contender. He secured the Super Bowl MVP trophy with 221 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 72 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. Hurts has already etched his name in Super Bowl history, joining Hall of Fame quarterbacks Len Dawson and Bob Griese as the only starting quarterbacks to win their second Super Bowl start after losing their first. His dual-threat capabilities make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Lamar Jackson opened as the 2025-26 NFL MVP favorite. In the 2024 season, Jackson threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns with only four interceptions, finishing with a league-best 119.6 passer rating. His dual-threat ability remains unmatched, adding over 800 rushing yards to his resume.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Allen was the favorite to win the NFL MVP award for a good portion of the 2024 season, ultimately winning the award. Allen received 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 23, finishing with 383 points.
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Mahomes has already pocketed the Super Bowl MVP award in each of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl wins this decade.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Burrow led the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns while completing over 70% of his passes in the 2024 season.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): Daniels’ MVP odds have significantly improved, opening this season as a top-five contender.

Running Backs Ready to Rumble

While quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, running backs can also make a significant impact and earn MVP honors. A running back hasn’t been named MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998.

Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles): Barkley had a remarkable 2024 season, rushing for 2,005 yards. If Barkley powers the Eagles to victory, and chucks in any of his trademark long touchdown runs, expect him to land the award.
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): Robinson had nearly 1,900 yards from scrimmage in 2024.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions): Gibbs finished the 2024 season with 1,929 yards from scrimmage and averaged 5.6 yards per carry.

Defensive Dynamos

Defensive players face an uphill battle to win the Super Bowl MVP, but exceptional performances can sway voters.

T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers): Watt’s consistent dominance as an edge rusher makes him a perennial contender for defensive player awards.
Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): Garrett is another elite edge rusher who can single-handedly disrupt opposing offenses.
Jalen Carter (Philadelphia Eagles): The most tenacious member of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning defensive front, Carter is still just 24 and entering his prime.
Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs): A future Hall of Famer and three-time champion, Jones has logged at least 20 quarterback hits in six of his last seven NFL seasons.

The Road to Super Bowl LIX

As the 2024 season unfolds, these players and others will have the opportunity to solidify their status as MVP contenders. Their performances in crucial games, especially during the playoffs, will be heavily scrutinized. Factors such as team success, individual statistics, and overall impact on the game will all play a role in determining who ultimately hoists the Super Bowl LIX MVP trophy.

Super Bowl LIX promises to be a thrilling event, and the MVP race is already heating up. Whether it’s a quarterback leading his team to victory, a running back dominating the ground game, or a defensive player making game-changing plays, the Super Bowl LIX MVP will undoubtedly be a player who leaves an indelible mark on the game.