Badgers legend Jonathan Taylor should see NFL MVP odds skyrocket after Colts' big win

Just hand him the trophy already! 10 weeks into the 2025 NFL season, and Jonathan Taylor should be NFL MVP. The former Wisconsin superstar running back may have just put forth his greatest game to date as a professional. Under the bright lights in Berlin, Taylor ran all over the Atlanta Falcons in the Indianapolis Colts' 31-25 overtime victory over the Dirty Birds. He was the difference-maker Sunday.

Taylor had 32 carries for 244 yards and three rushing touchdowns, including a career-best run of 83.

This beat out Falcons running back Bijan Robinson's signature scamper of his career earlier this season vs. the Buffalo Bills on a Monday night when he scored an impressive 81-yard touchdown.

Taylor also had the game-winner in overtime to crush the hapless Falcons' dreams early on Sunday.

In a game where it did not go all Indianapolis' way, having a star running back like Taylor was critical.

Latest Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor NFL MVP betting odds

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, here were Taylor's NFL MVP odds coming into the Week 10 slate.

• New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye: +300
• Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford: +300
• Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor: +500
• Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes: +600
• Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen: +700
• Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold: +800

On the season, Taylor has 1,139 rushing yards on 189 carries and 15 touchdowns in only 10 games. As a receiver, he also has 30 catches for 260 yards and two more rushing touchdowns. He added to his receiving game out of the backfield total on Sunday with three grabs for 42 yards. For a guy who was a rush-only running back, Taylor has finally hit his stride in his age-26 season out of Wisconsin.

Although his alma mater still has a shot at a bowl game, Taylor has a far greater one to win NFL MVP.

Jonathan Taylor's case for NFL MVP is becoming clearer by the day now

Will he end up winning it? That really comes down to how strong the Colts finish down the stretch in their remaining seven games. By averaging 113.9 rushing yards per game now, Taylor will be within a stone's throw of getting to 2,000 on the ground this season. At his current rushing rate, he could get to around 1,936 rushing yards this season. As long as he stays healthy, Taylor might actually do this.

Overall, Taylor is the straw that stirs the drink for the Colts offensively. No doubt they are a better team with Daniel Jones playing quarterback for them. However, Jones is only good and Taylor is great. Indianapolis has been the most pleasant surprise in the NFL this season. The Colts are running away with the AFC South, tied with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots for the AFC's best.

Ultimately, for as long as the NFL remains a passing league, league MVP will remain a quarterback-driven award. While Taylor does have other great adversaries at the top of the MVP odds, it should go to him as the star running back. If not him, then let's see if someone like Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold can win their first. Drake Maye needs more time. Patrick Mahomes may make sense as well.

In a year where people may try convince us that Josh Allen is deserving of a repeat, give it to Taylor!