Thursday is MVP! As is often the case, the first week went off in all directions. The big favorites for the MVP have at best, not shone, at worst have completely failed. Instead, nice surprises such as Isaiah Likely or Baker Mayfield, who have distinguished themselves. They bring a breath of fresh air to this first race for the MVP of the season. Our first top 5 is therefore completely new before a probable return to good habits in the coming weeks.
Star of the week: Baker Mayfield (QB), Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield's resurgence since joining Tampa Bay a year ago is becoming more and more captivating. There's even a certain irony in considering where his former team is now. Since the Browns, with his replacement Deshaun Watson, are floundering. The stats also speak in his favor. Since joining the Bucs, Mayfield has thrown 32 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. In his first game, he delivered the best performance in the league at quarterback with 280 yards and four touchdowns.
Well supported by his favorite receiver Mike Evans, who continues to excel, Mayfield was able to effectively distribute the ball to other players. Notably a Chris Godwin already in great shape. With 80% of passes completed, Baker Mayfield clearly displayed his ambitions and beyond the race for the MVP his objective is clear: to win the NFC South title for the second year in a row.
Revelation of the week: Isaiah Likely (TE), Ravens
Fantasy football fans were counting on Mark Andrews in particular for this first game of the NFL season. Known as Lamar Jackson's favorite target since their joint draft selection, Andrews was supposed to play a key role in the Ravens' eventual upset victory over the Chiefs. However, he wasn't even the best tight end on his team, overshadowed by a flamboyant Isaiah Likely. While the rest of the Ravens' receivers struggled to stand out, Likely was able to find the openings necessary to multiply the receptions and keep his team in the race until the end.
With a remarkable touchdown, he lived up to the expectations of the Ravens' staff. This summer, his coaches had expressed confidence in his abilities as a receiver for certain specific plays. And he came close to having an even more exceptional game with a touchdown that would decide the game or tie the game.
Disappointment of the week: Joe Burrow (QB), Bengals
Many people were eagerly awaiting the level of Joe Burrow's return from injury. Especially against the Patriots who seemed well within his reach. And the least we can say is that he generally missed the mark. Not helped by the absence of Tee Higgins and by a Ja'Marr Chase who never seemed able to get rid of Christian Gonzalez, Burrow appeared totally powerless.
Yet, Burrow is considered among the rare quarterbacks capable of taking a game to his account and winning these somewhat tricky encounters. But the Bengals quarterback simply did not live up to expectations. And with a clash against the Chiefs looming, the urgency to get his head back in place is very present. Otherwise, this season will already take an unexpected turn, far from the race for the MVP.
The ranking
1- Baker Mayfield – Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
1 game – 289 yards at 80% completion – 4 touchdowns, 146.4 rating
2- Derek Carr – Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (1-0)
1 game – 200 yards at 82.6% completion – 3 touchdowns, 142.5 rating
3- Joe Mixon – Running Back – Houston Texans (1-0)
1 game – 159 yards at 5.3 yards per carry, 1 touchdown – 3 receptions, 19 yards
4- Jordan Mason – Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
1 game – 147 yards at 5.2 yards per carry, 1 touchdown – 1 reception, 5 yards
5- TJ Watt – Defensive End – Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
1 game – 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovered
