Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Michael Strahan Makes His NFL MVP Pick Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season has begun, and several players have entered the MVP conversation. This week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield face the Detroit Lions on "Monday Night Football."

At 5-1, the Buccaneers have emerged as serious Super Bowl contenders. Going into Week 7, Tampa Bay was the only NFC team with five wins and held sole possession of the NFC South. The Los Angeles Rams joined them by moving to 5-2 with a win Sunday morning over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mayfield has been one of the biggest contributors to the success, and he's receiving a lot of national recognition. That includes from Michael Strahan, a Fox Sports analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

During "Fox NFL Sunday," Strahan was previewing the matchup between the Buccaneers and Lions, giving high praise to the 30-year-old quarterback.

“The thing about Tampa, they just keep winning,” Strahan said. “And then you look at Baker Mayfield, … This guy, in my opinion, is the MVP. He is the most valuable player in this league and to his team.”

Through six games, Mayfield has thrown for 1,539 yards, 12 touchdowns, one interception and a 108.5 passer rating. He's also rushed for 158 yards on 22 carries.

"[Baker] in my opinion is the MVP. He's the most valuable player in this league and to his team."@michaelstrahan is loving what he's seeing from @bakermayfield and the @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/CIEtqLOVOj
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 19, 2025

The former No. 1 pick of the Cleveland Browns has also played for the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams, but has solidified himself as a star since joining the Buccaneers in 2023.

Over the past two seasons, he has earned two Pro Bowl nods, the only two of his career. An MVP would solidify him as an elite quarterback and mark the first time someone in Tampa Bay has taken the award home.

Strahan isn't alone either, as ESPN BET gives Mayfield the second-best odds (+325) to win MVP, behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (+175). Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen also stands at +325.

With Mayfield leading the Buccaneers to a strong start, Tampa Bay is fighting for its third Super Bowl in team history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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