2025–26 NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Early Contenders Emerge
by Erik Gibbs | by Tyler Doty
With teams preparing for the 2025-26 NFL season, bookmakers and pundits have already publicly released their first top picks for the Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) award. Fresh from a record-breaking 2024 in which the Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was awarded the prize with over 2,000 yards rushing and a Super Bowl victory, bookmakers are already speculating whether he will do it again—or whether someone else will shine.
Bet on the NFL 2025 Offensive Player of the Year award
| Player | Team | Position | Odds* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles | RB | +550 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | Cincinnati Bengals | WR | +900 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit Lions | RB | +1300 |
| Justin Jefferson | Minnesota Vikings | WR | +1400 |
| Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens | RB | +1400 |
*odds courtesy of FanDuel
Saquon Barkley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Barkley is the consensus pick at +550 on FanDuel to be OPOY again. Coming off a 2024 campaign in which he ran for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns and guided the Eagles to the Super Bowl title, he was signed to a record-breaking contract extension and will lead the offense again. With his power, vision, and playoff success, Barkley is the standard by which 2024 OPOY is measured.
Ja'Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
Top OPOY receiver Chase is +900 to +1100 with the books. He took home the 2024 receiving triple crown with a league-leading in receptions (127), yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17) last year, and signed a record extension contract. With Joe Burrow returning as the team's chief quarterback again, Chase remains in the running for massive production.
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Detroit Lions)
Detroit's dynamite running back ranks No. 2 on this list. He had 1,412 rushing yards and a league-high 20 total touchdowns in 2024, which earned him a Pro Bowl bid and broke a team record. Expect him to back it up next year with greater usage and targets in Year 2, with the Lions looking to be a factor in the NFC North.
Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings)
Justin Jefferson starts the 2025–26 season as the league's top wide receiver and one of the clear Offensive Player of the Year contenders. Missing most of last season with injury, he managed to haul in 1,533 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. With his breakaway speed, hands, and route running skills, he's a solid weekly matchup and best OPOY candidate.
Derrick Henry (RB, Baltimore Ravens)
Back in purple and black, Derrick Henry is set to pen yet another chapter in his iconic career. As the Baltimore offense is balanced and run-friendly, Henry will again be the workhorse. If healthy, his grinding running style and red-zone effectiveness give him a real shot at being in the Offensive Player of the Year discussion.
What to Watch
- Quarterback presence: The focus of oddsmakers on RBs and WRs is an indication of positional trend; while quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and J.J. McCarthy are creating MVP buzz, none have become early OPOY favorites.
- Team performance: Barkley and Gibbs benefit from feature back work on winning teams. Chase and Jefferson are dependent on elite QB play and tempo on offense.
- Durability & consistency: Each candidate must be healthy and productive for 17+ games. Only 28 of 51 prior champions also took home MVP—exemplifying the importance of elite production over a span of multiple months.
Bottom Line
While Saquon Barkley remains the book and public favorite, a close group is closing in on him. Chase's limitless ceiling, Gibbs' sophomore breakout, Robinson's rookie potential, and Collins' breakout potential make this OPOY class compelling this season. When camps start opening, the health, workload, and offense roles—especially in pass-happy offenses—will come under the microscope. Expect this award fight to be waged, but early advantage: Barkley.
