Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season brought key wins and losses, sparking debates on MVP favorites and playoff hopes. Jonathan Taylor's dominant performance fueled overreactions, while Matthew Stafford solidified his case as the true frontrunner. Upsets like the Dolphins' win over the Bills added to the intrigue.
The NFL's second half of the 2025 regular season kicked off with Week 10 action that highlighted emerging separations among teams. The Baltimore Ravens extended their winning streak to three games with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings, improving to 4-5 and entering the AFC playoff conversation. In the AFC East, the New England Patriots defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, widening their lead over the Buffalo Bills, who suffered a 30-13 blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins. The New Orleans Saints also secured an upset, beating the Carolina Panthers 17-7 for their second win of the season.
Jonathan Taylor's performance for the Indianapolis Colts against the Atlanta Falcons in Germany drew MVP buzz. He rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns, including the overtime winner, marking the most rushing yards in a game this season and his fourth three-touchdown game of the year. Through 10 games, Taylor has 15 rushing touchdowns, the most since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. However, the article deems this an overreaction, noting the MVP award typically favors quarterbacks.
In contrast, Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is viewed as the real MVP favorite after a 42-26 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Stafford completed 24 of 36 passes for 280 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions—his third straight game with at least four touchdowns and zero picks, a first in NFL history. He holds a 22-touchdown streak without an interception, second only to Tom Brady's 2010 mark.
Other storylines include the Giants' rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears before suffering a concussion, leading to a blown double-digit fourth-quarter lead. New Orleans' Tyler Shough threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in his first win, but questions remain about his franchise potential. The Bills' loss raises doubts about their Super Bowl window despite Josh Allen's presence, while the Ravens (4-5) trail wild-card spots closely and face a favorable schedule. The 49ers, despite their loss, remain in playoff contention with an easy upcoming slate.