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Former HC thinks Baker Mayfield is atop MVP race

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

'It's not even close': Former HC has Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield atop MVP race

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 4:55 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has simply been sensational this season and certainly one of the best stories in the NFL so far.

The Buccaneers currently sit at 5-1 after a 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Of those five wins, that was the only one not to feature a fourth-quarter comeback from Mayfield, who said, "We're just getting started" in response to all the "MVP" chants following his latest clutch performance on Sunday.

During an appearance on Monday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up," former head coach and current analyst Rex Ryan confidently put Mayfield atop the MVP race.

Rex Ryan does not hesitate about Baker Mayfield's MVP status

"It's not even close. I mean, this guy is playing. I mean, it's phenomenal," Ryan said. "And the fact, let's face it, at the biggest moments, he's at his best. I mean, how many of these fourth-quarter comebacks are we gonna see?"

Rex Ryan says Baker Mayfield is leading the NFL MVP race and "it's not even close" pic.twitter.com/1ijSHkLqDB
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 13, 2025

According to Pro Football Reference, Mayfield has 14 fourth-quarter comebacks and 16 game-winning drives in his career, so his clutch performances are nothing new in that regard. What is different is how he is doing it with most of Tampa Bay's playmakers injured.

Wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) have both missed some time, while rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka, who has the fourth-most receiving yards (469) this season, left Sunday's game with a hamstring injury and is currently listed as questionable.

Despite all the injuries, not to mention running back Bucky Irving, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, Mayfield still completed 17 of his 23 pass attempts for 256 yards with two TDs and zero interceptions against the 49ers. His passer rating (108.5) is sixth in the league, but most importantly, he has 12 TD passes opposed to just one interception all season.

While fellow QBs Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Daniel Jones have put themselves in the MVP conversation so far, Mayfield's ability to do more with less around him in light of the rash of injuries has been impressive. With plays like his incredible 15-yard scramble on 3rd-and-14 in Sunday's game and the sixth-best scoring offense (27.5 PPG) in the league, Mayfield has done more than enough to enter the conversation.

As successful as Mayfield has been airing it out, his running ability should not get discredited, either. Although he has no TDs on the ground, Mayfield has rushed 22 times for 158 yards, good for a team-high average of 7.2 yards.

FanDuel currently lists Mayfield with the third-shortest odds (+470) to win the MVP award, only behind Allen (+140) and Mahomes (+270). He may not be the favorite yet, but If Mayfield can keep delivering in clutch situations and continues to protect the ball, there is no doubt he can be in the running for the league MVP by season's end.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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