Daniels’ rookie season with Washington was a breakthrough, mixing high-end rushing with efficient passing and leading the Commanders toward NFC implications. If he sustains and elevates that level in 2025, the MVP race becomes plausible, especially with improved protection from Laremy Tunsil, added weapons like Deebo Samuel, and a sharper supporting cast.

The piece situates Daniels among the elite rookie QBs of history, sketching a Year 2 window where big-name peers (Allen, Mahomes, Burrow) loom, yet Daniels’ dynamic combo of rushing TDs and passing efficiency could push him into the MVP conversation and a potential playoff run for Washington.