Does Jonathan Taylor Have a Chance to Win NFL MVP as a Running Back?

It’s been more than a decade since a running back has won the NFL’s MVP award, with Adrian Peterson being the most recent in 2012. Before that, it was LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006.

Over the last two decades, the position has largely been shut out of MVP contention. The award has essentially become the best quarterback trophy, and in many cases, that’s fair. Quarterbacks drive team success more often than not. If you don’t have that position figured out, your team probably isn’t going anywhere.

But Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts is making a rare and compelling case to change that narrative.

Entering this week, Taylor has racked up 850 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 206 receiving yards with two scores through the air — all in just eight games. Those are eye-popping numbers.

When stacked against other running backs around the league, he’s nearly 100 yards ahead of second-place James Cook in rushing yards, over 200 yards ahead of J.K. Dobbins in third, and holds the touchdown lead with Josh Jacobs sitting second at nine with three fewer scores.

In every measurable way, Taylor has been the best running back in football this season.

With Daniel Jones under center, the Colts’ success has been even more surprising. Jones has played well, especially considering how his career was trending after his stint with the Giants, but this is Jonathan Taylor’s team. The Colts enter the week with a league-best 7-1 record, a mark largely powered by Taylor’s dominance. The defense has been outstanding, and Jones has managed games efficiently, but Taylor sets the tone.

It’s reminiscent of what Saquon Barkley did last season with the Eagles during their Super Bowl run. Barkley finished with 2,005 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 278 receiving yards with two more scores.

Taylor has already nearly matched Barkley’s receiving production and sits just one touchdown shy of that scoring total not even halfway through the season.

Whether he reaches 2,000 yards or not, his current pace and impact are undeniable.

According to Bet365, Taylor is tied for sixth in MVP odds at +1600, alongside Baker Mayfield. His own quarterback, Daniel Jones, trails at +1800. That gap says a lot about how much Taylor means to Indianapolis’ success.

Running backs haven’t stood much of a chance in MVP races over the past decade, but Jonathan Taylor is making the strongest case we’ve seen in years. His production, leadership, and the Colts’ record all point to one thing: he’s doing something special — and doing it from a position that the MVP conversation has long left behind.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images