Colts' Jonathan Taylor Emerges as NFL Offensive Player of Year Frontrunner with Record Performance

Jonathan Taylor, running back for the Indianapolis Colts, has emerged as the leading frontrunner for the 2025-26 NFL Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) award, showcasing a dominant season with league-leading rushing yards and touchdowns. Taylor's performance has significantly improved the Colts' standing, helping them achieve a 7-1 record, and he is also gaining momentum as a potential MVP candidate, a rarity for running backs in recent years. His commanding lead in OPOY odds has been reinforced by recent standout games, pushing his betting odds to -225 and distancing him from other contenders like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian McCaffrey, and Bijan Robinson, who have faced injuries or inconsistent performances. Analysts and former players, including Bill Cowher, have praised Taylor's impact and compared his pace to previous great running backs who won MVP honors. While wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Smith-Njigba remain notable challengers for OPOY, Taylor's consistency and the Colts' success make him the favorite to secure the award. Taylor himself prioritizes team success and a deep playoff run over individual accolades, underscoring the Colts' rise as a championship contender with him leading the offense.