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Midseason NFL MVP — Who deserves the award as of today?

Could a running back win MVP this year for the first time since 2012? It’s possible, but it’ll take a continued strong effort from Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, who currently leads the league in rushing at 1,139 yards and 15 touchdowns. That’s a pace just shy of 2,000 yards and 26 TDs.

Hitting 2K yards wouldn’t necessarily earn Taylor the award — Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley and then-Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry did so in 2024 and 2020, respectively, yet both failed to win MVP. But if Taylor manages to tie or even beat LaDainian Tomlinson’s single-season record of 28 rushing TDs from 2006, that might put Taylor over the top (especially considering nobody has even hit 20 since Tomlinson’s record).

A small panel of our writers from A to Z Sports decided to vote on the current midseason NFL MVP, and Taylor earned some of the votes. However, two others finished ahead of him. Let’s look at how the votes tallied up:

4. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes — 13 points (1 first-place vote): “Look, I hate it, and you hate it. It’s boring and nobody wants to see the same guy win it a bunch of times, but the fact of the matter is that the Chiefs could be a dumpster fire without him. He’s one of the top passers in the league, and he’s third on the team in rushing, as well. The Chiefs go as he goes, and that’s the very definition of most valuable player.” —Mike Payton

3. Jonathan Taylor — 16 points (0): Taylor did not earn any first-place votes from the panel, which isn’t surprising considering that MVP essentially a QB-only award. But when we’re talking about the most valuable player, shouldn’t Taylor be taken more seriously? Sure, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has had a great comeback season, but there’s no way Indy would be sitting at 8-2 without Taylor’s 6.0 yards per carry, eight 20+ yard rushes and 140 yards from scrimmage per game. If Taylor keeps up this pace and doesn’t receive serious consideration for MVP during a year when there really hasn’t been a QB that stands out above the rest, then we might as well rename MVP to the Best QB Award.

2. New England Patriots QB Drake Maye: 19 points (1): “What more can you say about Drake Maye that hasn’t already been said? He’s been phenomenal for a Patriots team that many didn’t think would even contend for a wild card berth. Instead, they are in serious contention for the AFC East title. Maye has thrived in every way despite not having the best surroundings with his pass catchers and offensive line. He is doing what an MVP does: elevate everyone around him.” —Tyler Forness

1. Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford: 27 points (2): “Stafford has been the definition of decisive and efficient so far this season. The Rams look like a powerhouse in the NFC and are fourth in the conference in scoring. L.A. ranks second in passing offense per game, and its QB has plenty to do with that. Not many quarterbacks could facilitate production for two top twenty wide receivers in yardage (Puka Nacua, Davante Adams) – but that’s the case for the Rams starter.

“Stafford is leading the unit’s impressive charge with 25 touchdown passes, compared to just two interceptions. Since Week 4, the Rams QB has 20 TDs with just two turnovers. According to Next Gen Stats, Stafford has thrown more TD passes against the blitz so far this season than all but two quarterbacks in an entire season in the last decade. He’s playing confident football, but also understands Sean McVay’s expectations when it comes to protecting the football.” —Adam Holt

Brian Daboll fired — How we got here, and what’s next for Giants

The New York Giants finally let go of coach Brian Daboll after a 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears which put them at 2-8 on the season. Our Giants (and college football newsletter) writer Joe DeLeone breaks down the full situation below:

Why was Daboll fired? “Daboll’s tenure with the Giants started extremely hot, taking the Giants to the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record in 2022. Things slowly crumbled as he finished with a 20-40-1 record as the coach in New York. The team’s current 2-8 season was the epitome of why it was in disarray, as it was 0-4 on the road when leading by 10 or more points.

“The first, most glaring reason was his unwillingness to fire defensive coordinator Shane Bowen or to take play-calling duties away from him. This season, the defense ranked 29th in yards allowed and 27th in points allowed per game despite having a talented core.

“The second, more general issue was the team’s overall lack of attention to detail. Over the last few seasons, particularly this year, the Giants have been plagued by problems that a well-coached team would not have tolerated. Penalties consistently derailed games, and drives were often extended by poor tackling. This season, the Giants are 27th in penalties per game, with no signs of improvement.”

What’s happening with the GM? “The team is choosing to keep general manager Joe Schoen and will allow him to be the one responsible for finding a new head coach. While the Giants may feel the issues were mainly coaching related, it will be a huge mistake if they let Schoen continue to be the general manager.

“Schoen is not a general manager who has earned the right to be the architect of this team in the future. This is not a circumstance in which Schoen built an elite team that was underperforming. He has consistently swung and missed on crucial free agent and draft decisions that have held the team back.

“We must legitimately ask ourselves, what has Schoen done that has set this team up for long term success? His track record as a drafter built a roster with no depth in four years. His free agent moves resulted in losing one of the most talented running backs of all time.”

Who are some replacement candidates from the NFL? “[Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff] Hafley is the one candidate who seemingly checks numerous boxes … he’s commanding one of the best defenses in the NFL that took a massive leap when he took over. In 2024, the Packers’ defense was sixth in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed. So far in 2025, after 10 weeks, they’re seventh in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed. Over the last two years, the Packers have been regarded as one of the most well-coached and fundamentally sound units in the league.

“Giants fans are well acquainted with [Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve] Spagnuolo, having served as the defensive coordinator twice and as the interim head coach. He previously won a Super Bowl as the DC of a formidable unit from 2007 to 2008. He later returned as the DC from 2015-2017 and served as the interim when McAdoo was fired. His overall success as a coordinator is tremendous, having won four Super Bowls with the Chiefs and Giants. Since taking over in Kansas City, the Chiefs’ defense has been one of the most consistent in the league. Currently, they’re fourth in points allowed and sixth in yards allowed.”

Who are some replacement candidates from college? “Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has become the go-to name in the college football coaching carousel for every major opening. With Florida, LSU, and Penn State currently open, it’s expected he’ll either leave his current job or stick at Ole Miss and continue to build. With the attention Kiffin is generating, it’s clear he’s well respected in the football world, especially for his ability to produce elite offenses. The most important and obvious layer to this is that he coached current New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“Since leading the [Notre Dame] Fighting Irish to the National Championship last season, Marcus Freeman’s name has been frequently mentioned for NFL head coaching openings. It’s been considered unlikely that he leaves Notre Dame, but he’s been discussed as an option for the top college openings of LSU, Florida, Penn State, and Auburn. With a young core of star players, hiring a coach who can rebuild a foundation that has been completely demolished is enticing. Freeman would have the opportunity to build the vision of this new team with young stars like Dart, Malik Nabers, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter already in place.”

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