Thursday is MVP! Following a weekend once again marked by surprises, the race for MVP is turned upside down. While Sam Darnold led the Vikings to their fourth straight victory, Josh Allen stalled and was crushed by Derrick Henry's Baltimore Ravens. Derek Carr, surprise at the start of the season, seems to be slowly falling into line. Finally, Baker Mayfield bounces back well with a major performance against the Eagles.
Star of the week: Sam Darnold (QB), Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are the surprise of the season so far. With a 4-0 record, they are one of only two undefeated teams in the league. And the returning Sam Darnold, in full redemption in Minnesota, is one of the main reasons for this success. This weekend again, against the rivals of the Packers, Darnold produced a high-flying performance: 20/28, 275 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception. But more than the statistics, it is the manner and serenity of the quarterback that impress. As evidenced by this precise pass into the arms of a completely covered Justin Jefferson.
JUSTIN JEFFERSON IS UNREAL 🤯
(via @Vikings) pic.twitter.com/7wpeZ6Ahsr
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 29, 2024
Currently, Sam Darnold leads the league in touchdowns thrown (11), yards per attempt (8.8), as well as quarterback rating (118.9). In this category he is ahead of big names such as Josh Allen (116.5), Joe Burrow (105.9) or Brock Purdy (104.9). If Darnold has always been talented, as evidenced by his position in the 2018 Draft (3rd overall pick), it seems that he has finally found how to express it.
The revelation of the week: Derrick Henry (HB), Ravens
That's it, King Henry is back!
Arriving in Baltimore during the offseason after 8 long seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry seems to be thriving in his new environment. Alongside Lamar Jackson, he even achieved the feat of becoming the Ravens' main offensive threat. After 151 yards gained on the ground against the Cowboys in week 3, the solid running back this time crushed the Bills: 24 races, 199 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 10 yards, 1 touchdown. He even had the luxury of making the longest run in Ravens history on his first ball!
Despite a sluggish start, Henry now has 80 carries for 480 yards (1st NFL), an impressive average of 6 yards per carry. He also leads the league in rushing touchdowns (6, tied with Kyren Williams and Alvin Kamara) and runs of 20+ yards (6). At 30 years old, the rider can legitimately hope for several rewards this season. A collective reward first, with the Ravens coming back strong in the race for the playoffs. Individual awards then, while he is in the running for the offensive player of the year trophy (which he already won in 2020), and why not MVP.
Disappointment of the week: Derek Carr (QB), Saints
Second consecutive defeat for Derek Carr and the Saints, and second mixed week for the quarterback. Although solid in terms of his statistical line (including 77.8% of completed passes and 239 yards in the bag), the thrower has never been able to be decisive. After moving the chains well at the start of the match, he first offered an unlucky pick-6 to the Falcons, allowing the latter to take control of the match. Once behind the score, the thrower still did not manage to give his team a touchdown, not doing what was necessary to prevent New Orleans from falling on a decisive kick from Younghoe Koo.
A generally decent match, but not at the level expected of an MVP contender. This has been a constant with Carr for two weeks, he who only led the Saints to 12 points in the defeat against the Eagles. Another week like the last two, and he can say goodbye to the top 5.
The ranking
1- Sam Darnold (+3) Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
4 games – 932 yards at 68.9% completions – 11 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 118.9 rating
2- Josh Allen (-1) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (3-1)
4 games – 814 yards at 69.3% completions – 7 touchdowns, 116.5 rating
3- Baker Mayfield (+2) Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2)
4 games – 984 yards at 70.5% completions – 8 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 106.9 rating
4- Saquon Barkley (-1) Running Back – Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
4 games – 435 yards at 6 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns – 12 receptions, 85 yards, 1 touchdown
5- Derek Carr (-3) Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (2-2)
4 games – 824 yards at 72% completions – 6 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 103.9 rating
