Jalen Hurts enters the 2025 NFL season as a compelling dark horse MVP candidate, with a combination of accolades and untapped potential making him one to watch. Despite leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory and earning MVP honors, Hurts still faces skepticism about his status among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Hurts has demonstrated consistent growth since becoming the Eagles’ starter in 2021. Over the past four seasons, he has accumulated nearly 15,000 passing yards and 140 total touchdowns, combining his dual-threat capabilities with improved passing efficiency. His leadership and ability to excel in high-pressure situations have been pivotal to Philadelphia’s success, including a dominant postseason run in 2024.
One factor working in Hurts’ favor is his supporting cast. With weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, the Eagles’ offense remains one of the most dynamic in the league. Additionally, the presence of Saquon Barkley in the backfield allows Hurts to operate with greater flexibility, balancing the passing and rushing attack. These elements position him to deliver another standout season.
However, Hurts will need to overcome challenges to bolster his MVP case. The Eagles’ frequent coordinator changes may impact offensive consistency, with Kevin Patullo stepping in as the team’s fifth offensive coordinator in six years. Additionally, critics argue that Hurts’ statistics may not match those of other top quarterbacks due to the team’s balanced offensive strategy.
NFL Expert Names Philadelphia Eagles Star Jalen Hurts as a Dark Horse Candidate
Hurts may end up surprising everybody by becoming a candidate for MVP next season. This is explained more in an analysis by Judy Battista for the league’s official website.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP, Hurts was uneven last season but finished second in MVP voting in 2022. He has plenty of weapons in the passing game — A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert — but with so much of the offense running through Barkley, Hurts might not be able to amass the type of statistics that draw the attention of MVP voters, despite leading one of the NFL’s best teams.
Despite these hurdles, Hurts embodies the modern quarterback archetype, combining athleticism, adaptability, and resilience. His ability to lead the Eagles to wins and his knack for delivering in critical moments could elevate him in the MVP conversation. If he continues to refine his game and guide Philadelphia to another successful season, his candidacy will gain momentum.
Jalen Hurts’ journey from underdog to Super Bowl champion sets the stage for a potential MVP run. As he enters his sixth NFL season, he has the tools, team, and determination to prove he belongs among the league’s most valuable players.
