The NFL MVP race is an electrifying mix. All of the stats, stories, and surprises! Every year, names like Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow dominate the headlines. No doubt about that. But what about the ones we aren’t talking about? This season, Sam Darnold has quietly been rewriting his narrative. Dude’s been guiding the Minnesota Vikings to a league-best record. So, why is Darnold overlooked? And, more importantly, what makes him a legitimate contender when even experts like Mike Florio are questioning the league’s MVP criteria?

From being a cautionary tale to an undeniable force under center! This season, Sam’s led the Minnesota Vikings to an 11-2 record, their most promising campaign in over a decade. His stat line? Nothing short of jaw-dropping with 3,299 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions! A career-defining performance against Atlanta? And we saw Darnold throw for 347 yards and five touchdowns with a near-perfect passer rating of 157.9. These are numbers that should demand attention—and they have, at least, from Mike Florio.

Florio, a respected voice in NFL circles, has openly questioned the lack of MVP consideration for Darnold. “If Jared Goff is in the MVP race, why isn’t Darnold?” he asked. Florio goes on to emphasize Darnold’s recent stretch of brilliance. 11 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a league-best passer rating over the past four weeks! Ain’t that impressive? 

What makes Darnold’s season even more compelling is his resilience. Earlier in the season, his performance dipped—a five-game stretch saw six touchdowns offset by seven interceptions. Yet, instead of spiraling, Darnold rebounded stronger, silencing critics with his unmatched poise. The Vikings’ success is a direct reflection of his adaptability, and as Florio rightly points out, “If the Vikings secure the NFC’s top seed, how does Darnold not earn a spot in the MVP conversation?”

Jared Goff vs. Sam Darnold: Why the disparity?

Here’s where things get murky! Jared Goff, QB of the 10-1 Lions, is firmly in the MVP race! While Darnold? He is barely mentioned. Statistically, their seasons are remarkably similar. Goff has 3,265 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, plus a passer rating of 109.1. Yet the odds paint a stark contrast: Goff is a +700 favorite, while Darnold sits at a dismissive +10,000. Why the difference?

The Lions’ record and their offensive efficiency undoubtedly boost Goff’s narrative. But Florio raises a crucial question. “How is Jared Goff considered an MVP candidate and not Darnold?” A closer look reveals that Darnold outshines Goff in key metrics like intended air yards per attempt (8.8 to Goff’s 6.5) and big-time throws (22 to Goff’s nine). While Goff thrives on short, system-driven completions, Darnold’s game is built on taking calculated risks and delivering explosive plays.

However, Darnold isn’t without flaws. His early-season struggles highlighted decision-making issues, and critics may argue that his highs come with occasional volatility. Yet, the Vikings’ offense lives and dies by his arm, and his ability to rise under pressure is unmatched. Meanwhile, Goff benefits from a more structured system and a roster designed to minimize mistakes. The perception gap is clear: Goff is a steady hand on a dominant team. While Darnold is viewed as a volatile talent, despite his numbers telling a different story.

Darnold’s resurgence is proof that perseverance and performance can rewrite legacies. And if the Vikings continue their march toward the postseason, the league may have no choice but to ask. Is Sam Darnold the MVP we’ve been ignoring all along?