Thursday is MVP! For once, the big favorites in the MVP race, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, have all made it through their start to the season. Quite the opposite of the Dolphins and the 49ers who therefore monopolize four of the five places in this inaugural 2023 ranking. The Tua Tagovailoa-Tyreek Hill connection, already in fireworks mode, shattered the Chargers defense while Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy did the same on the Steelers field. To complete the top 5, Jordan Whitehead revealed himself to the world with the trifle of three interceptions against Josh Allen and the Bills.
1- Tua Tagovailoa – Quarterback – Miami Dolphins (1-0)
1 game – 466 yards at 62.2% – 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, 110 rating
Tua Tagovailoa made a triumphant return to the field, showing exceptional control in the game against the Chargers. With an impressive total of 466 yards for 28 passes completed on 45 attempts, and three touchdowns to his credit, he was able to lead his team to victory in a match that was fought to the death. His evaluation of 110 testifies to his extraordinary performance. Tagovailoa, who had not played since Week 17 of last season due to yet another concussion, negotiated his return to the field perfectly and showed that his connection with Tyreek Hill remained as explosive as ever.
2- Tyreek Hill – Receiver – Miami Dolphins (1-0)
1 game – 215 yards at 19.5 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns
Tyreek Hill once again proved that he is one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. With 11 receptions for a total of 215 yards and two touchdowns, he was a central element in the Dolphins’ victory. Hill even set a new record, having his third career game with more than 200 yards and at least two touchdowns, the most in the modern era. His connection with Tagovailoa was crucial, especially during the 4-yard touchdown that sealed the victory at the end of the game. “Cheetah” continues to push the limits, and its performance in this first week speaks volumes about where this season could go if health follows.
3- Christian McCaffrey – Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
1 game – 152 yards at 6.9 yards per carry, 1 touchdown – 3 receptions, 17 yards
Christian McCaffrey was a key part of his team’s 30-7 victory at the Pittsburgh Steelers. He not only racked up 152 yards on 22 carries, scoring a rushing touchdown, but also showed some interesting bits in the passing game with three receptions for 17 yards. His performance was capped by a spectacular 65-yard touchdown run, a haul that placed him among three nominees for the NFL’s “Fedex Ground Player of Week 1” award. This is a promising start to the season for the 49ers running back, who confirms his status among the top players at his position in this league.
4- Brock Purdy – Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
1 game – 220 yards at 65.5% – 2 touchdowns, 111.3 rating
Brock Purdy, started the 2023 NFL season strong, guiding his team to a convincing victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the game, he completed 19 of 29 passes, accumulating 220 yards and scoring two touchdowns, both to Brandon Aiyuk. Purdy, who shed the “Mr. Irrelevant” label usually given to the last pick in the draft, continues to prove he belongs among the greats, answering doubters and showing promising signs of a leader capable of leading the 49ers to Super Bowl glory at just 23 years old.
5- Jordan Whitehead – Safety – New York Jets (1-0)
1 game – 2 tackles, 3 passes defended, 3 interceptions
New York Jets veteran safety Jordan Whitehead was instrumental in his team’s victory over the Bills at MetLife Stadium. During this game, he made a career-high three interceptions, having only had five in his entire career before this game. He thus contributed significantly to his team’s first victory this season. Two of these crucial interceptions came in key moments of the game, allowing the Jets to stay in touch on the scoreboard. He who had communicated during the offseason about his desire to improve his ability to intercept passes, now he has already kept his word!
Special mentions
Jared Goff (QB, Lions) – 253 yards on 62.9% completions, 1 touchdown, 94.1 rating
Jordan Love (QB, Packers) – 245 yards at 55.6% completions, 3 touchdowns, 123.2 rating
Jakobi Meyers (WR, Raiders) – 81 yards at 9 yards/reception, 2 touchdowns
Brandon Aiyuk (WR, 49ers) – 129 yards at 16.1 yards/reception, 2 touchdowns
Austin Ekeler (RB, Chargers) – 117 yards at 7.3 yards/carry, 1 touchdown
Breece Hall (RB, Jets) – 127 yards at 12.7 yards/carry
Josh Allen (DE, Jaguars) – 10 tackles, 3 sacks
Jessie Bates (S, Bengals) – 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defended, 2 interceptions
