Dark Horse MVP Candidates Week 2: Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, Daniel Jones Rising
While Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson dominate the MVP conversation, several dark horse candidates are emerging after Week 2. Complete analysis of the long shots making their case for MVP consideration.
Dark Horse MVP Landscape
- Jared Goff (+6000): 5-TD performance against Bears puts him on the map
- Matthew Stafford (+2800): Rams' 2-0 start with elite offensive play
- Daniel Jones (+7500): Colts' 2-0 start with impressive comebacks
- Baker Mayfield (+2500): Buccaneers' 2-0 start with efficient play
- Dak Prescott (+2800): Cowboys' offensive explosion despite defensive issues
Top Dark Horse Candidates
Jared Goff - Detroit Lions
+6000Week 2 Performance: 334 yards, 5 touchdowns in 52-21 win over Bears
Jared Goff's Week 2 performance was nothing short of spectacular. His 5-touchdown, 334-yard performance against the Bears showcased his elite accuracy and decision-making. The Lions' offensive explosion has put Goff on the MVP radar, with his 78.3% completion percentage and 142.1 passer rating both career-highs.
Why He Could Win
- • Elite accuracy (78.3% completion percentage)
- • Strong offensive weapons (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams)
- • Weak NFC North competition
- • Lions could win division and make deep playoff run
Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams
+2800Week 2 Performance: Strong performance in 33-19 win over Titans
Matthew Stafford has been quietly excellent for the Rams, leading them to a 2-0 start with strong offensive performances. His ability to feed both Davante Adams and Puka Nacua shows his elite arm talent and decision-making.
Why He Could Win
- • Elite arm talent and accuracy
- • Strong offensive weapons (Davante Adams, Puka Nacua)
- • Rams are 2-0 with strong offensive play
- • NFC West is competitive but winnable
Daniel Jones - Indianapolis Colts
+7500Week 2 Performance: 316 yards, 2 touchdowns in 29-28 comeback win over Broncos
Daniel Jones has been a revelation for the Colts, leading them to a 2-0 start with impressive comebacks. His 588 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 rushing scores show his dual-threat ability and clutch performance.
Why He Could Win
- • Dual-threat ability (passing and rushing)
- • Clutch performance in comeback wins
- • Colts are 2-0 with strong offensive play
- • Weak AFC South division
Baker Mayfield - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
+2500Week 2 Performance: Efficient performance in Buccaneers' 2-0 start
Baker Mayfield has been quietly efficient for the Buccaneers, leading them to a 2-0 start with strong leadership and clutch performances. His ability to make the right decisions and lead his team to victory has caught the attention of MVP voters.
Why He Could Win
- • Strong leadership and clutch gene
- • Buccaneers are 2-0 with efficient play
- • NFC South is competitive but winnable
- • Team success will boost MVP case
Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
+2800Week 2 Performance: 361 yards, 2 touchdowns in 40-37 OT win over Giants
Dak Prescott has been putting up gaudy numbers for the Cowboys, throwing for 361 yards and 2 touchdowns in their Week 2 win over the Giants. While the Cowboys' defense is struggling, Prescott's offensive production could make him a dark horse MVP candidate.
Why He Could Win
- • Elite passing numbers (361 yards, 2 TDs)
- • Strong offensive weapons (CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown)
- • Cowboys could win NFC East
- • Team success will boost MVP case
Long Shot Candidates to Watch
Jalen Hurts (+1700)
The Eagles are 2-0 and Hurts has been efficient. His dual-threat ability and team success could make him a dark horse if the Eagles continue winning.
X-Factor: Eagles' success and Hurts' dual-threat ability.
Kyler Murray (+4000)
The Cardinals are 2-0 and Murray has been efficient. His dual-threat ability and team success could make him a dark horse if the Cardinals continue winning.
X-Factor: Cardinals' success and Murray' dual-threat ability.
Trevor Lawrence (+6500)
The Jaguars are 1-1 but Lawrence has shown flashes. His arm talent and team success could make him a dark horse if the Jaguars turn things around.
X-Factor: Jaguars' turnaround and Lawrence' arm talent.
Drake Maye (+7500)
The Patriots are 2-0 and Maye has been impressive. His arm talent and team success could make him a dark horse if the Patriots continue winning.
X-Factor: Patriots' success and Maye' arm talent.
What Makes a Dark Horse MVP Candidate?
Key Factors
Team Success
Must lead team to division title or deep playoff run
Statistical Excellence
Must put up elite numbers consistently
Clutch Moments
Must perform in big games and pressure situations
Health
Must play all 17 games or close to it
Media Narrative
Must become the story of the season
Consistency
Must avoid bad games and maintain elite level
Dark horse MVP candidates need to combine individual excellence with team success. They must lead their teams to division titles or deep playoff runs while putting up elite statistics and performing in clutch moments.
The key is consistency. Dark horse candidates can't afford to have bad games or let their teams down in big moments. They need to be the driving force behind their team's success and become the story of the season.
Betting Analysis
Best Value Bets
- Jared Goff +6000: Excellent value after 5-TD performance
- Daniel Jones +7500: Great value if Colts continue winning
- Matthew Stafford +2800: Solid value for 2-0 Rams
- Baker Mayfield +2500: Good value for 2-0 Buccaneers
Avoid These Bets
- Dak Prescott +2800: Cowboys' defensive issues hurt case
- Long Shots +10000+: Too much risk for minimal reward
- Injured Players: Health is crucial for MVP candidacy
What to Watch in Week 3
Key Matchups for Dark Horse Candidates
Week 3 will be crucial for dark horse MVP candidates. They need to continue their strong play and lead their teams to victories to build their MVP cases. The matchups this week will provide opportunities for these candidates to showcase their talents.
Conclusion
While Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson dominate the MVP conversation, several dark horse candidates are emerging after Week 2. Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, Daniel Jones, and Baker Mayfield all have legitimate cases for MVP consideration.
The key for these dark horse candidates is consistency. They need to maintain their strong play throughout the season and lead their teams to division titles or deep playoff runs. If they can do that, they could easily become serious MVP candidates.
The 2025 NFL season is still young, but these dark horse candidates have already shown they have the talent and opportunity to make a serious run at the MVP award. Week 3 will be crucial for their continued development and MVP cases.