Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Making Rookie History, Enters Early MVP Talks
The Washington Commanders have finally turned a corner, starting the season with an impressive 4-1 record—their best start since 2008. For a team that has struggled for nearly a decade, their rapid improvement is largely due to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Daniels is off to a phenomenal start, leading all rookies in both passing (1,135 yards) and rushing (300 yards). He currently holds the fifth-highest quarterback rating in the league at 106.2. He’s also made NFL history by becoming the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to 150 or more points in their first five games, with Washington racking up 155 points so far. To add to his accolades, Daniels is the only player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards in his first five career games.
Similar to the impact C.J. Stroud had in his rookie season, Daniels has Washington in the playoff mix earlier than expected. The big question is whether he can maintain this elite level of play. He’ll face his toughest challenge yet in Week 6 against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. This key matchup is followed by games against the Carolina Panthers and a battle of rookie quarterbacks with Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears.
If the Commanders can continue their winning ways, they’ll be in the running for the NFC East crown, a title they haven’t claimed since 2015. Should they stay on this trajectory, Daniels could find himself squarely in the MVP race.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who previously worked with rookie sensation Russell Wilson in Seattle, is no stranger to guiding young quarterbacks through successful early seasons. His experience could prove invaluable in helping Daniels navigate the pressure.
Daniels has made a rapid ascent in the MVP odds, moving from 25/1 to 10/1 this week. While Patrick Mahomes remains the frontrunner, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are not far behind.
Let’s take a closer look at the top MVP contenders heading into Week 6:
1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
MVP Odds: +600 (Bet $10 to win $70)
The reigning MVP is starting to hit his stride. Jackson has thrived behind a strong running game, bolstered by the addition of Derrick Henry. He’s completed 65% of his passes for 1,206 yards, throwing nine touchdowns to just one interception, all while maintaining a 107.3 passer rating. His dual-threat ability continues to shine, with 363 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
The Ravens, riding a three-game winning streak, lead the league in rushing with 211 yards per game. Jackson remains as dangerous as ever, capable of jaw-dropping plays in any game.
2. Sam Darnold, Vikings
MVP Odds: +1300 (Bet $10 to win $140)
Minnesota is undefeated at 5-0, but Darnold’s MVP case took a slight hit after a subpar outing in a win over the Jets in London. Darnold completed only 45% of his passes for 179 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception, resulting in a season-low 50.4 passer rating. With the Vikings on a bye week, Darnold has time to regroup before taking on the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
3. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
MVP Odds: +1000 (Bet $10 to win $110)
Daniels’ breakout season has been remarkable, especially considering his 77.1% completion rate and only two interceptions. Washington’s offense has been balanced, thanks to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s play design, which has allowed Daniels to make quick, decisive reads and exploit defenses.
Washington’s rushing game, coordinated by run game expert Anthony Lynn, ranks second in the league, averaging 178 yards per game. Daniels has also excelled on the move, completing 7 of 8 passes for 113 yards during scrambles. His mobility has added an extra dimension to Washington’s offense, making him a dangerous playmaker both through the air and on the ground.
4. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
MVP Odds: +330 (Bet $10 to win $43)
While Mahomes is still leading the Chiefs to victories, his performance hasn’t been as dominant as in previous seasons. He posted his first 300-yard passing game of the season against the Saints, spreading the ball to eight different receivers. However, Mahomes has struggled with turnovers, tying for the league lead with six interceptions. His 88.9 passer rating is the lowest of his career through this point in the season, though Kansas City remains in the hunt.
5. Josh Allen, Bills
MVP Odds: +600 (Bet $10 to win $70)
Allen is going through a rough patch, completing just 9 of 30 passes for 131 yards in a loss to the Texans. The Bills have now lost two straight, and the road doesn’t get any easier as they prepare to face the Jets on Monday. With the firing of Jets head coach Robert Saleh, New York will be motivated, making this a crucial game for Allen and the Bills to get back on track.
As Jayden Daniels continues his unprecedented rookie campaign, the Commanders’ fortunes may rest on his shoulders. If Washington keeps winning, Daniels’ MVP candidacy will only grow stronger.
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