30 Scenarios in 30 Days: The Steelers will have an NFL MVP candidate in 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2025 regular season, but before the real games begin, the team has to head to training camp back at Saint Vincent College in order to fine tune their skills. As we here at SCN prepare you for the start of camp, we give you a series called “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” which gives you a Steelers scenario every day leading up to the start of camp.
It is simple how it works. We provide you the scenario, reasons why it will or won’t happen, and then our prediction for what we think will take place.
Let’s get to the scenario…
Scenario: The Steelers will have an NFL MVP candidate in 2025
Why it will happen: The easiest way for this to come to fruition is because of how the AP now votes on the MVP award since 2022. While first place votes matter, they aren’t the only thing that are counted now as voters list five players with a point system based on where they have the players ranked. For example, last year first place votes only went to Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. The other top 5 positions were based on how they were ranked otherwise. The year before, Lamar Jackson received all but one first place votes where Josh Allen got the other. But based on where other players finished with the voting beyond first place, Josh Allen finished fifth in the voting. So it’s not just about receiving first place votes to becoming a finalist.
To be realistic, the Steelers have only two potential options who could find their way into being an NFL MVP finalist. If T.J. Watt breaks his own sack record for the NFL, despite being a defender, he could end up receiving votes. Do I think it would be enough for a defensive player to win the award? Unfortunately that’s not typically how it goes. But a top-notch season with another NFL Defensive Player of the Year award could get T.J. Watt in the mix.
The more realistic option is four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. This has generally been a quarterback award, and now the Steelers have a quarterback who has won before. If Aaron Rodgers comes into Pittsburgh, leads the offense back to relevance while the defense continues to do their part, if the Steelers finish near the top of the AFC then Rodgers should be in NFL MVP consideration.
Why it won’t happen: It’s a quarterback award. It’s not strictly this way, but in essence it is how the Most Valuable Player award has gone. So to really look at things, it’s about if Aaron Rodgers can get back into the conversation about being the MVP. While it is possible, Rodgers will become the oldest player to take a snap for the Pittsburgh Steelers once he does. His best years are definitely behind him as this is most likely his last one in the NFL. To think that he’s going to compete at the same level is a bit far-fetched. While Rodgers could help the Steelers be much improved in 2025, it’s going to be more than just him making it happen. The chances of him having that good of a season are small.
Prediction: As much as there is a possibility there in Rodgers could be NFL MVP, it is a long shot. It is one of the bonuses he could achieve this season to increase his pay, so it’s not that both the Steelers and Rodgers didn’t see this as a possibility. But is it reality?
While I think the odds of Aaron Rodgers having an outstanding season are about the same as T.J. Watt having a career year and getting into the discussion, I’m going to predict this does not happen. Even if Watt puts up his best numbers he may not receive any votes for MVP. And when it comes to Rodgers, I don’t want the Steelers to be in the situation where he has to carry the offense in order for them to succeed. So I think it would be better for the team if they do not have to rely so heavily on the quarterback position which will keep Rodgers out of consideration in 2025.
Miss a scenario? You can see the full list of scenarios below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for training camp.
The Steelers will go above and beyond their win-loss prediction in 2025
The Steelers will throw more INTs than last season
The Steelers will eclipse 50 sacks in 2025
The Steelers Defense Will Have More Takeaways This Season
Aaron Rodgers will start all 17 games in 2025
DK Metcalf Will Have Double-Digit Receiving TDs
T.J. Watt will break the single-season sack record
The Steelers Will Rush For More Than 2000 Yards In 2025
The Steelers will have a Top 5 Rush Defense
Jalen Ramsey will return to the Pro Bowl in 2025
The Steelers will have a winning record in the AFC North
The Steelers will have a kickoff return for a TD in 2025
Pat Freiermuth will lead the Steelers in touchdowns in 2025
The Steelers will have a winning record at home in 2025
Jaylen Warren will lead the Steelers in rushing
The Steelers will have 30 passing TDs in 2025
Alex Highsmith will have double-digit sacks in 2025
The Steelers will have at least one 2025 starter who is not yet on the roster
Cam Heyward will be named All-Pro in 2025
The Steelers will have a winning September in 2025
Patrick Queen will set career highs in sacks and INTs
The Steelers will have a winning December in 2025
T.J Watt will win Defensive Player of the Year in 2025
The Steelers will not play a meaningless regular season game in 2025
Aaron Rodgers will surpass the Steelers 2024 passing statistics
The Steelers defense will keep opponents under 20 points a game
Let’s say he’s a great match with Smith, the O-line cooks, and the quick catch and run stuff puts us ahead by a couple of scores at half time in 6 or 7 games. Do we protect his health in the 2nd half by cycling Mason in and out?. Didn’t Miami field two quarterbacks back in the day?
I remember the Pirates putting a rocking chair in the dugout for Danny Murtaugh. Yeah, it’s a reach. But, if Rodgers gets hurt, all the air goes out of the offense.
This year feels different, at least in terms of realistic potential. Go Steelers!
Earl Morrall and Bob Griese. [Or Don Strock and future Steeler David Woodley?] It would be nice to be so far ahead in 6-7 games at halftime such so that a substitution could take place.