Let’s be real—when you look at the Philadelphia Eagles' roster coming into this NFL season, it’s basically a cheat code. Top-tier defense, a beefy offensive line, versatile receivers, and two absolute game-changers in Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. The team isn’t just stacked—they’re molded for a championship run. But as loaded as they are, the bigger buzz right now is whether one of these guys could actually break through the quarterback-heavy MVP bias and snag the league's most coveted individual award.
Now, before we go too far into the Hurts vs. Barkley MVP convo, let’s talk history. It’s been over a decade since a non-quarterback took home the MVP trophy. Adrian Peterson was the last to pull that off in 2012, and since then? It’s been a quarterback parade—12 straight years of pocket passers and dual-threats dominating the spotlight. That makes any running back entering the MVP mix feel like an underdog. But Saquon Barkley? He’s not just any running back.
📍 Quick Stats That'll Make You Look Twice:
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Saquon Barkley’s 2024 regular season:
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2,000+ rushing yards
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5.8 yards per carry (career high)
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15 total regular season TDs
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5 more TDs in the postseason
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That's right. Those aren’t just “solid” numbers—those are "make-the-Hall-of-Fame-look-twice" numbers. Barkley's impact in his first season in Philly was electric. Behind one of the most fearsome O-lines in the league, he didn’t just survive—he broke records. It’s no longer a question of whether Barkley can be in the MVP conversation. It’s about whether the voters will finally break the quarterback stranglehold.
And speaking of quarterbacks—enter Jalen Hurts.
Look, Hurts isn’t exactly new to MVP chatter. Back in the 2022 season, he was right in the thick of it. He led the Eagles to the Super Bowl and, for much of the season, was the odds-on favorite to win MVP. That dream got derailed by an unfortunate late-season injury, but the narrative around him hasn't disappeared—it’s just changed. Some say he’s “too supported.” Others throw around the term “system QB.” But here’s the kicker: Hurts produced 32 total touchdowns last season. His passer rating? Fifth-best in the league. Oh, and that’s with only 18 of those TDs coming through the air.
🎯 Why Hurts Might Be Underrated in the MVP Race:
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Top 5 in passer rating
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Deadly dual-threat ability
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Mastermind of the controversial but wildly effective “tush push”
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Leads a team with arguably the best offensive unit in the NFL
But here’s where it gets complicated for Hurts. The Eagles’ offense is so stacked—receivers, linemen, even tight ends—that voters tend to discount his success. It’s the classic “he’s got too much help” argument. That’s like discrediting a movie star for having a great director. Hurts isn’t just riding shotgun—he’s the guy steering the wheel, even if the car is a Lamborghini.
According to Bleacher Report, Hurts and Barkley are both considered “sleeper” MVP candidates heading into this season, and sportsbooks have been adjusting odds accordingly. Brad Gagnon from BR made an interesting point, saying Hurts’ massive supporting cast might actually hurt his MVP chances. He also noted how Hurts' signature "tush push" isn’t winning over many voters—even if it's nearly unstoppable in short-yardage situations.
Meanwhile, Barkley’s got a different kind of uphill battle. His position, plain and simple. Running backs just don’t win MVP anymore. But what if this is the year that changes?
🔍 What It’ll Take for Barkley to Nab MVP:
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Break Eric Dickerson’s legendary single-season rushing record
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Continue averaging over 5.5 yards per carry
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Push the Eagles deep into the postseason
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Shake up the “MVP = QB” formula that's dominated for years
And honestly, the way Barkley ran last season—it’s not out of the question. He’s got the vision, the patience, the breakaway speed, and the physicality to dominate. When Philly’s O-line is humming, he’s practically untouchable at the second level. Add in a few more viral stiff-arms or explosive 70-yard TDs, and Barkley might just force the voters’ hands.
So how do Hurts and Barkley stack up against each other as MVP contenders? Well, it depends on what kind of narrative you’re looking for. Hurts is the cerebral field general—calm, efficient, and increasingly unshakeable in high-pressure moments. Barkley is the spark plug—the human highlight reel who can break a game wide open on a single play. One wins with precision and poise. The other? Pure, raw explosiveness.
📢 Three Reasons Why the Eagles Could Have an MVP Winner in 2025:
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Their Schedule – With a favorable early-season slate, both Hurts and Barkley could put up huge numbers out the gate.
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High-Profile Games – Nationally televised matchups mean more eyes, more highlights, and more buzz.
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Team Success – MVPs usually come from contenders, and the Eagles are firmly in that category.
And let’s not forget, both players have something to prove. For Hurts, it’s about shedding the “system” label and reclaiming his spot as a premier quarterback. For Barkley, it’s about showing the league that running backs do still matter—and can dominate.
If either one of these stars starts the season hot, the hype train will leave the station early and loud. The only question is: Can they sustain it all the way through January?
At the end of the day, Philly fans should feel confident that not only is their team built for another Super Bowl run—but they’ve also got two guys who could bring home the league's highe
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