Daniel Jones challenges Josh Allen with numbers in an unexpected MVP race

Daniel Jones is writing a story no one expected. The quarterback, who just a year ago was labeled a bust in New York, now leads the Colts. Thanks to three straight wins, his numbers have put him in the same conversation as Josh Allen, the reigning MVP. Yes, Daniel Jones. The same one the Giants let go, who had a brief stop in Minnesota before landing in Indianapolis.

Daniel Jones started the season with impressive accuracy: 63 completions on 88 attempts (71.6%), 816 passing yards, 3 touchdowns through the air, and zero interceptions. Add to that 3 rushing touchdowns on 17 carries, no fumbles, and only two sacks. On top of it all, his stats outperform Josh Allen in several categories. Allen, for reference, has thrown for 755 yards, 5 touchdowns, and holds a 69.7% completion rate.

Solid performance

According to FirstSportz, Daniel Jones has been so consistent that analysts like Dan Orlovsky are already including him in the early MVP conversation. They’re quick to note that three games aren’t enough to crown anyone, but the change of scenery seems to have unlocked a more mature and efficient version of the Duke alum.

Daniel Jones is putting up MVP numbers right now 🤯🔥

Who’s having a more impressive season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/icBCZh7b0I

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 22, 2025

Even Saquon Barkley, now with the Eagles, joined the chorus of support. The former teammate of Daniel Jones in New York publicly expressed his hope to see him succeed. Barkley praised his work ethic and quiet competitiveness. He knows what it means to reinvent yourself—he left the Giants, won a Super Bowl, and was named Offensive Player of the Year. Can Jones follow that path?

A bet on the future

Daniel Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts. So far, it looks like a bargain. If he keeps this pace, he could not only lead Indianapolis to its first playoff appearance since 2020 but also rewrite his own narrative in the NFL.

Josh Allen remains a benchmark, but Daniel Jones is no longer just a footnote. He’s part of the main paragraph. And if this NFL season has shown anything, it’s that football scripts can flip faster than a broken play.

“[Daniel Jones will] be in the MVP conversation if he continues to play like this.”@danorlovsky7 said it’ll be a CAREER year for Danny Dimes if he keeps things up 😳

(via Yahoo Sports Daily) pic.twitter.com/gxqeDxX0YA

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 19, 2025