Ja’Marr Chase Named Bengals’ Most Valuable Player for 2025

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) has selected Ja’Marr Chase as the Cincinnati Bengals’ Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season.

The award recognizes the player deemed most critical to the team’s performance over the course of the regular season. Chase was honored Tuesday by the local PFWA chapter, marking one of the top individual recognitions for his body of work in Cincinnati’s latest campaign.

Chase’s performance in 2025 stood out even in a season that saw the Bengals finish 6-11 and miss the playoffs for the third straight year. Despite team struggles, Chase continued to produce at an elite level, consistently earning defensive attention and leading Cincinnati’s offense. His selection as the Bengals’ MVP by the PFWA reflects both his statistical achievements and his value relative to the rest of the roster. 

In 2025, Chase was the only Bengals receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards, leading the AFC with 1,412 receiving yards. He also paced Cincinnati with 125 receptions, ranking among the highest totals in the league, and added eight touchdown catches, second on the team behind Tee Higgins’ 11.

Chase’s performance earned him his fifth Pro Bowl nod in as many NFL seasons, an achievement that underscores his continued presence among the league’s elite at his position. He continued a streak of outstanding capacity to maintain high usage regardless of quarterback changes or offensive inconsistency.

In addition to his MVP selection by the PFWA, Chase became the first player in NFL history to record at least 80 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns in each of his first five seasons. Those milestones have come alongside multiple franchise records and league-leading statistical categories, reinforcing his standing among the most productive pass catchers of his generation.

The MVP award also placed Chase among a select group of Bengals receivers to be honored historically. He became the fourth wide receiver in franchise history to win the PFWA MVP award, joining T.J. Houshmandzadeh, A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd, all of whom were central figures in Cincinnati’s passing game during their respective tenures. 

The PFWA’s team MVP award is given annually by the local chapter to the Bengals’ most impactful player. Despite Cincinnati’s sub-.500 finish and missed postseason, Chase’s season was marked by game-after-game production that kept the offense competitive and consistently involved. His ability to command coverage and create separation remained a focal point of Cincinnati’s passing attack.

Chase’s MVP honor adds to a growing list of individual accolades and cements his place as a defining player for the Bengals. With multiple franchise records already in his résumé and a trajectory that continues upward, the award is a recognition of both his production and his sustained impact on the team’s offense.