Is Daniel Jones Quietly Becoming the NFL’s Early MVP Favorite?
The NFL season is only three weeks old, but one of the league’s most surprising storylines is unfolding in Indianapolis: Daniel Jones looks like an MVP candidate.
The reclamation-project quarterback, signed by the Colts in the offseason to compete with Anthony Richardson Sr., has been nothing short of spectacular through the first three weeks. After a dominant 41-20 win over the Titans, Jones has now stacked three consecutive strong performances that demand serious attention.
Consistency in Every Game
In Week 1, skeptics dismissed his efficient outing against the Dolphins as a product of weak opposition. In Week 2, his late-game heroics versus Denver were partially overshadowed by the Broncos’ costly penalty that gave the Colts a second chance. But after dismantling Tennessee — a team known for physical defense — it’s clear Jones’ play is no fluke.
On Sunday, he completed 18 of 25 passes for 228 yards, while also continuing to show his trademark mobility. More importantly, he kept Indy’s offense humming, turning possessions into points with remarkable efficiency.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Through three games, Jones ranks:
- 2nd in the NFL in passing yards
- 1st in yards per attempt
- 6th in Total QBR
- Plus, he’s already scored three rushing touchdowns
He has transformed the Colts’ offense into a juggernaut. Indianapolis has punted just once all season and has scored on an astonishing 77% of its offensive possessions — the highest rate by any team in the first three weeks over the last 45 seasons.
A Different Quarterback
Jones’ downfield passing is the biggest sign of his evolution. After completing only 50% of throws of 10+ yards in his first six seasons, he’s now connecting on 65% of them. Against the Titans, he went 7-for-9 for 130 yards and a touchdown on such attempts, proof that he’s thriving in Shane Steichen’s offense and playing with a confidence we’ve never seen before.
The Colts’ Resurgence
Indianapolis is 3-0 for the first time in a decade and sitting atop the AFC South, a division they haven’t won since 2014. With the two-time defending champion Texans stumbling and the Jaguars chasing, the Colts suddenly look like the team to beat.
If Jones continues this trajectory, it won’t just be about the Colts winning the division. It will be about whether Daniel Jones, once written off as a failed experiment in New York, can finish the season holding the league’s most prestigious individual award.
Through three weeks, there’s a strong case to be made: Daniel Jones is the MVP of the NFL.
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