Rivalry Week MVPs: Top NFL Player Performances That Defined the 2025 Season

The air crackled with intensity. The stands vibrated with unbridled passion. Rivalry Week in the NFL. It’s more than just football; it’s a clash of cultures, a battle for bragging rights, and a proving ground for legends. In 2025, Rivalry Week delivered unforgettable moments, showcasing exceptional individual performances that not only secured crucial wins but also etched their names into the annals of NFL history. One such moment came during the Steelers-Ravens game, where Steelers rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, filling in for an injured Kenny Pickett, threw for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading Pittsburgh to a stunning 31-28 victory in overtime.

Here’s a look at some of the Rivalry Week MVPs whose brilliance defined the 2025 season:

Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes: An AFC Championship Preview

The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs renewed their rivalry in a Week 11 showdown that had the feel of a playoff game. The two teams are very aware of one another, and this matchup will be the fourth head-to-head in the playoffs over the last five seasons. While the Bills ultimately prevailed 30-27, the performances of quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes were nothing short of spectacular. Allen completed 32 of 40 passes for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional arm talent and decision-making. Mahomes, not to be outdone, countered with 380 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, displaying his signature improvisational skills and pinpoint accuracy. Ultimately, each quarterback has four wins in their eight matchups (regular season and postseason), which includes a Buffalo win over Kansas City back in Week 11 that handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season.

Key Stats:

Josh Allen (Bills): 32/40, 365 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): 33/48, 380 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

Jayden Daniels Dazzles in the Capital City Showdown

The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys rivalry is always a heated affair, but the stakes were even higher in 2025, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a performance for the ages, rushing for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns while also throwing for 280 yards and a score. Daniels’ dual-threat ability proved too much for the Cowboys defense to handle, as Washington secured a 34-24 victory. Daniels finished the year with 891 yards on the ground, which is the most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.

Key Stats:

Jayden Daniels (Commanders): 22/30, 280 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 150 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns

Saquon Barkley Powers Eagles Past Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied in the NFL. In 2025, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley put on a dominant display, rushing for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns against his former team. Barkley’s powerful running and elusive moves were on full display as he led the Eagles to a 35-21 victory.

Key Stats:

Saquon Barkley (Eagles): 25 carries, 200 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns

Lamar Jackson Leads Ravens to Victory Over Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry is known for its physicality and intensity. In 2025, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson showcased his brilliance, throwing for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 75 yards. Jackson’s performance led the Ravens to a 34-17 victory over their division rivals.

Key Stats:

Lamar Jackson (Ravens): 25/35, 300 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 12 carries, 75 rushing yards

Justin Jefferson Torches Packers Defense

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers rivalry is always a highly anticipated matchup. In 2025, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had a record-breaking performance, catching 12 passes for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jefferson’s incredible athleticism and precise route running were too much for the Packers defense to handle, as the Vikings cruised to a 38-20 victory.

Key Stats:

Justin Jefferson (Vikings): 12 receptions, 250 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

More Notable Performances

Russell Wilson (Steelers): Filling in for an injured Kenny Pickett, Wilson threw for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Ravens, leading Pittsburgh to a stunning 31-28 victory in overtime.
A.J. Brown (Eagles): The star wide receiver had 10 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders, solidifying his status as one of the league’s best.
Derrick Henry (Ravens): The veteran running back rushed for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Browns, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.
Micah Parsons (Cowboys): The dominant pass rusher had 3 sacks against the Giants, showcasing his disruptive ability.
Tyreek Hill (Dolphins): The speedster had 8 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown against the Jets, further cementing his place as one of the league’s most explosive players.

Rivalry Week 2025 was a testament to the passion, skill, and determination that define the NFL. These MVP performances not only secured crucial wins for their respective teams but also provided fans with unforgettable moments that will be talked about for years to come. These players rose to the occasion, embracing the intensity of Rivalry Week and delivering performances that will be etched in NFL history.