The 2025 NFL season has delivered its usual share of drama and unexpected turns, but perhaps no story is more compelling than the resurgence of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. A couple years after the Colts organization seemed ready to move on from their former All-Pro, Taylor has not only reclaimed his elite form but is now the clear frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and a dark-horse MVP candidate, powering Indianapolis to a surprising start in the AFC South.
The Unlikely MVP: Jonathan Taylor Fuels Colts to Strong 8-2 Start
From Potential Trade Bait to Unquestioned Bell Cow
Entering the 2025 season, the narrative around Taylor in Indianapolis was fraught with uncertainty. Dealing with multiple injuries throughout his career and an offseason marked by a public contract dispute in 2023, many wondered if he had a future in Indianapolis. The Colts had even explored trade options in the past, signaling a potential split if Indianapolis struggled early on in 2025 as expected. The situation was further complicated by the team’s quarterback dynamics, with 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson seemingly falling out of favor and veteran Daniel Jones named the starter for 2025.
But once the regular season began, Taylor provided an emphatic answer. He quickly put the drama and previous injuries behind him, showcasing the explosive, game-breaking talent that made him a first-team All-Pro in 2021.
A Dominant Mid-Season Performance
Through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season, Taylor has been a dominant force, leading the league in rushing yards and total expected points added (EPA) among running backs. He has rushed for over 100 yards in multiple games and has been the engine of the Colts’ offense. His ability to control the clock and consistently break tackles has been instrumental in the team’s unexpected 8-2 record through the first 10 games.
Taylor’s success has also taken immense pressure off of Jones and the entire offense. The Colts’ game plan has effectively leaned into their potent ground game, a strategy that has stifled opposing defenses and kept the chains moving. This shift in offensive identity has transformed Indianapolis from an overlooked team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender and they are currently fighting for the top seed in the AFC.
An Unlikely MVP Race
The conversation around the 2025 NFL MVP has been dominated by perennial favorites like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, along with the surprising emergence of Drake Maye. However, Taylor’s undeniable impact has forced his way into the conversation. A running back winning MVP is a rare feat in the modern, pass-heavy NFL, but his production is making a compelling case.
The Colts success is intrinsically tied to Taylor’s performance. When he gets at least 18 carries, the team is undefeated, a stark indicator of his value. With the AFC having a ferocious chess match at the top, having a player who can single-handedly alter the course of a game provides Indianapolis with a unique edge. If you were to take Taylor off the Colts, they would no longer be Super Bowl contenders and an argument could be made that they wouldn’t even be the best team in the AFC South. This makes Taylor just as valuable as the quarterbacks he is competing against for the award.
As the second half of the season is underway, all eyes are on Taylor to see if he can maintain this historic pace and carry the Colts deep into the postseason. It is an inspiring tale of redemption and resilience, reminding the football world that even in a league dominated by quarterbacks, a superstar running back can still be the heart and soul of a championship-caliber team.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
