After his 11th-place MVP finish in 2024, Baker Mayfield has already started his 2025 campaign strong. After his three touchdown, game-winning performance in Atlanta, Mayfield is once again launching himself into MVP candidacy.
The two-time pro bowler was impressive, throwing three touchdowns and no picks. Last season, he finished second in the NFL with 41 touchdowns, and this season, he is a prime candidate to lead the league in passing touchdowns.
He finished the game with a 99.3 passer rating and 53.1% completion rate. While his accuracy could certainly improve, it was still a good game for Mayfield.
Mayfield capped it off by rallying his offense and leading a game winning drive. To lead the comeback on the road in Atlanta was impressive, and it should already have Mayfield in MVP conversations.
Through week 1, Mayfield ranks 11th in passer rating, is tied for second in touchdowns and is tied for league lead with a 0% interception rate.
It's a long season and Mayfield will need to keep it up, but he continues to prove he is one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. It feels like a miracle the Buccaneers were able to sign him twice to such affordable contracts. The energy, leadership, and skill he brings to Tampa Bay is invaluable.
It feels like after everything he has accomplished with the Buccaneers, Mayfield deserves to be talked about as one of the NFL's elite signal callers. However, it often seems like Mayfield is forgotten by the media. His underdog mentality keeps him going, and Tampa Bay knows it's not all about accolades.
At the end of the day, MVP or not, winning is what matters most, and Mayfield is a proven winner. He's won back-to-back division titles and after his heroics on the road against a division rival, it looks like Tampa Bay is in position to win another NFC South championship.