Brock Purdy found someone to talk to this week.
Opposed to a hungry Ravens defense, the 49ers quarterback literally sank with no less than four interceptions and fell to third place. The throne is now the property of Christian McCaffrey who stood out rather well when his quarterback did not return the ball. Still in this same match, Lamar Jackson evolved like a fish in water and now finds himself second and favorite of the bookmakers to win the MVP. Back in action this week, Tyreek Hill had a good game against the Cowboys and overtakes Dak Prescott who continues his fall and who sees the shadow of Josh Allen becoming more and more pressing.
1- Christian McCaffrey (+1) Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
15 games – 1395 yards at 5.4 yards/carry, 14 touchdowns – 537 yards at 8.5 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Christian McCaffrey continues to stand out as a serious MVP candidate, a remarkable performance for a player who doesn't play quarterback. His 2023 season is a true demonstration of versatility and impact on the game. With 1,292 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, McCaffrey leads the league, while averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. But his contribution doesn't stop there: he also excels as a receiver, with 57 receptions for 509 yards and seven additional touchdowns. These statistics place him first among running backs in receiving yards and confirm his crucial role in the 49ers offense.
McCaffrey's impact isn't just measured in numbers. His presence on the court creates opportunities for his teammates, opening the game for Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. This ability to energize the attack makes him a central element of the 49ers' strategy. Despite the tendency to favor quarterbacks, McCaffrey makes a strong argument for breaking that tradition. His 2023 season is not only exceptional in terms of statistics, but also in terms of his influence on his team's success. If the 49ers are at the top of their division and among the best teams in the league, it is largely thanks to him.
Christian McCaffrey is not just another player, he is the beating heart of the 49ers, a complete athlete who redefines the role of the running back in the modern NFL. His MVP bid is not only deserved, it reflects a season where he constantly pushed the limits of his position.
2- Lamar Jackson (+2) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (12-3)
15 games – 3,357 yards at 66.3% – 19 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 97.2 rating
Lamar Jackson delivered an MVP-worthy performance in the 33-19 blowout win over the 49ers this week. While Brock Purdy had a difficult night with four interceptions, Jackson shined brightly, confirming his place as a serious contender for the NFL MVP title.
With 252 passing yards and two touchdowns, Jackson's statistics only reflect part of his influence on the game. His ability to extend plays with his legs, including a 30-yard run on a third-and-16, was crucial for the team. Jackson demonstrated that he could still inflict considerable damage with his runs, despite more moderate use of his legs in the new offensive system. Facing the second-best defense in the NFL, Jackson avoided mistakes and made smart decisions, whether in his passes or getting out of the pocket. His immaculate turnover match underlined the calm needed in a high-stakes match.
The Ravens defense also played a key role, giving Jackson excellent field position thanks to several interceptions and adding four sacks to their already impressive total. With this victory, the Ravens move closer to first place in the AFC conference and a week off in the first round of the playoffs. Jackson, already unanimous MVP in 2019, is focused on the ultimate goal: winning the Super Bowl. But with performances like the one on Christmas Eve, he firmly positions himself as a leading candidate for a second MVP award.
3- Brock Purdy (-2) Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
15 games – 4050 yards at 68.8% – 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions – 112.2 rating
Brock Purdy had a tough night against the Ravens. After shining since his selection as the last choice of the 2022 draft, Purdy simply failed with four interceptions, a turning point in his season so far almost without major faults.
The game started badly for Purdy, with an interception in the end zone on the 49ers' first drive. Questionable decisions and forced passes led to three more interceptions, overshadowing his stellar performance in his 2023 season. This poor performance against one of the best defenses in the NFL cast doubt on his chances of winning the championship. MVP, a distinction for which he was favorite before this match. Despite this disappointment, the 49ers, currently at 11-4, still have the opportunity to recover. Purdy, known for his resilience, will have to demonstrate his ability to bounce back or risk seeing this title which was holding out to him slip away.
To make matters worse, the 49ers also have to deal with problems with fouls and injuries, particularly in their offensive line. Protecting Purdy has been a challenge, with pressures on 47 percent of his pass attempts, according to Pro Football Focus. Injuries to key players like Trent Williams and Aaron Banks have contributed to the quarterback wreck. Despite this disappointment, the 49ers, currently at 11-4, still have the opportunity to recover. Purdy, known for his resilience, will have to demonstrate his ability to bounce back or risk seeing this MVP title that was waiting for him slip away.
4- Tyreek Hill (+1) Receiver – Miami Dolphins (11-4)
14 games – 1641 yards at 15.5 yards/reception, 12 touchdowns
Back on the field this week, Tyreek Hill was able to regain his sensations against the Cowboys. Even if he did not score a single touchdown, the former Chiefs receiver recorded a whopping 99 yards to help his team triumph against Dallas.
Shining with dynamism this season, Hill is clearly the best receiver in the league. Emerging just over 350 yards from the 2,000 yard mark on the season, the Dolphins star will have to work hard in the last two games to get it. And this risks acting as a prerequisite if he still aims to get the MVP trophy.
Clearly, at the twilight of this regular season, the nasty injury he contracted two weeks ago will surely remain the main reason why he will have to settle for a good entry.
5- Dak Prescott (-2) Quarterback – Dallas Cowboys (10-5)
15 games – 3892 yards at 68.4% – 30 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 104.2 rating
In the frantic race for the MVP title, Dak Prescott is a contender not to be underestimated. After a double defeat against Buffalo then Miami, Prescott saw his chances drop sharply but remains a more solid candidate than the majority of quarterbacks in the league.
Prescott shines this year with his offensive efficiency. With 30 passing touchdowns, he completely dominates the league in this area. However, the path to MVP is rocky for Prescott. Traditionally, the award often goes to the player from a team leading their conference, and the Cowboys, currently second behind the Eagles, will need to break that trend.
The final decision for the 2023 MVP promises to be close and exciting. With a five-choice voting system, every performance counts and Prescott, despite the obstacles, remains a strong contender, especially if he regains his former glory. His career and impressive statistics make him a bold but potentially fruitful bet for the MVP title.
Special mentions
Josh Allen (QB, Bills) – 3,778 yards at 66.5% completions, 27 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 93.7 rating
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) – 4,214 yards at 70.5% completions, 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 105.4 rating
Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams) – 3,648 yards on 62% completions, 23 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 93 rating
Jalen Hurts (QB, Eagles) – 3,636 yards at 65.5% completions, 20 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 89.6 rating
Raheem Mostert (RB, Dolphins) – 1012 yards at 4.8 yards/carry, 18 touchdowns – 175 yards at 7 yards/reception, 3 touchdowns
AJ Brown (WR, Eagles) – 1394 yards at 13.8 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Deebo Samuel (WR, 49ers) – 834 yards at 15.7 yards/reception, 6 touchdowns – 179 yards at 5.4 yards/carry, 5 touchdowns
CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys) – 1424 yards at 13.1 yards/reception, 9 touchdowns – 101 yards at 8.4 yards/carry, 2 touchdowns
Myles Garrett (DE, Browns) – 39 tackles, 13 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 passes defended
TJ Watt (LB, Steelers) – 58 tackles, 17 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles, 1 interception, 8 passes defended
