The hype is growing more and more around the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott is far from being a stranger to it!
While the Eagles are specialists in snatch victories, Jalen Hurts takes the opportunity to consolidate his position as leader. Brock Purdy, for his part, continues his almost flawless performance since his bye week to assert itself as a very solid second. With Lamar Jackson still going strong, the podium remains unchanged this week. This is not the case for fourth place which goes to the surprising Dak Prescott who is ahead of an explosive Christian McCaffrey this week.
1- Jalen Hurts (-) Quarterback – Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)
11 games – 2,697 yards at 67.6% – 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 94.9 rating
Jalen Hurts is emerging as a serious contender for the NFL MVP title. With his flair for dramatic comebacks and ability to pull off crucial wins, Hurts is the driving force behind a Philadelphia team that defies a formidable schedule. Currently on a base of 45 touchdowns across all categories by the end of the season, his central role in the Eagles’ offense is evident, despite tactical changes and key absences.
However, the MVP race is not without controversy for Hurts. His statistics of 28 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions raise questions. Certainly, his 17 rushing touchdowns are impressive, but how many are the result of his pure talent and how many stem from the excellence of his offensive line? Unlike previous MVPs like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson, who shined on their individual ground game, Hurts benefits greatly from the collective power of his team.
All in all, Hurts is undeniably crucial to the Eagles, but his case for MVP remains up for debate. Is he the most valuable player in the league this season? His contribution is essential, but the answer to this question remains nuanced.
2- Brock Purdy (-) Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (8-3)
11 games – 2871 yards at 70.2% – 19 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 112.3 rating
Brock Purdy is shaking up the NFL with an MVP-worthy season. With dazzling stats – 2,871 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 70% accuracy – Purdy is not just a quarterback, he is the engine of a formidable offense. But Purdy is not yet the undisputed MVP.
Despite solid performances, he lacks this moment of magic where he carries his team on his shoulders at the end of the match where he will seek victory for the 49ers. His play against the Seahawks, while competent, did not reach the heights of an MVP, tarnished by a guilty interception. The real test for Purdy looms on the horizon: the long-awaited duel against the Eagles in Philadelphia. A blowout victory in this game could not only catapult him to the top of the MVP debates, but also mark some personal revenge after his early exit in last season’s NFC Championship Game.
Purdy has already lit up the league with his talent, but to capture the MVP title, he needs one more resounding feat. The game against the Eagles could well be his finest hour.
3- Lamar Jackson (-) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
12 games – 2618 yards at 68.3% – 13 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 98.4 rating
Lamar Jackson has a solid record for the MVP title. His ability to change the course of the game with every action, both passing and running, distinguishes him as the best versatile quarterback in the league. With projected stats of 3,700 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 800 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns by the end of the season if he keeps the same pace, Jackson is the undisputed architect of the Ravens’ offensive success, despite a group of receivers that does not particularly stand out.
However, Jackson’s candidacy is not flawless. Compared to his MVP season of 2019, his current numbers seem less impressive. Although he could finish with 500 more passing yards, he is behind by 18 passing touchdowns and 400 rushing yards. Averaging less than two touchdowns per game, some might question whether his overall performance is MVP-worthy.
Lamar Jackson carries the Ravens on his shoulders, that’s a fact, but his year, while remarkable, didn’t quite live up to the stratospheric standard he set during his previous MVP campaign. His impact is undeniable, but it’s still up for debate as to whether he deserves the Most Valuable Player award this season.
4- Dak Prescott – Quarterback – Dallas Cowboys (8-3)
11 games – 2935 yards at 70% – 23 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 107.4 rating
Dak Prescott is on the rise this season, positioning himself as a serious contender for the MVP title. With surgical precision, he is on base to throw for over 4,500 yards and 36 passing touchdowns. His performance is all the more remarkable as he completed 70% of his passes, a real tour de force.
But the path to MVP is not without pitfalls for Prescott. Despite his dazzling statistics, he showed weaknesses in key moments. This year, he failed to orchestrate any winning comebacks in the fourth quarter, and only led his team to victory once in the decisive moments. These shortcomings raise doubts about his ability to be the true pillar of his team when the pressure is at its peak.
In short, Dak Prescott shines with his numbers, but to capture the title of MVP, he will have to prove that he can be the hero in the fiercest battles. His performances are undeniable, but it is in adversity that the true MVPs are revealed.
5- Christian McCaffrey – Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (8-3)
11 games – 939 yards at 4.9 yards/carry, 11 touchdowns – 389 yards at 8.1 yards/reception, 5 touchdowns
Christian McCaffrey broke out in the Thanksgiving game, demonstrating why he is a serious contender for NFL MVP. With 114 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and an imposing presence in the air game, McCaffrey was the driving force in San Francisco’s victory against the Seahawks. His performance is not an isolated coup; Throughout the season, McCaffrey has been the beating heart of the 49ers offense. His ability to impact the game, whether by running or receiving, makes him essential and formidable.
In a year where quarterbacks haven’t been as dominant, McCaffrey stands out as a credible non-quarterback candidate for MVP. With impressive rushing and receiving statistics, he defies the historical trend favoring quarterbacks for the MVP title.
The next game against the Eagles is crucial. If McCaffrey breaks the 1,000 rushing yard mark in a resounding victory, his argument for MVP will solidify. But to break the mold and capture the MVP title, it will take more than a series of remarkable performances. He will have to overcome the preference for quarterbacks and prove that the MVP can also go to a versatile and explosive player like him.
Special mentions
CJ Stroud (QB, Texans) – 3,266 yards at 63.7% completions, 19 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 100.8 rating
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) – 3,177 yards at 69.8% completions, 22 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 103.7 rating
Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) – 2917 yards at 68.1% completions, 21 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 96.3 rating
AJ Brown (WR, Eagles) – 1050 yards at 14.4 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins) – 1,324 yards at 15 yards/reception, 10 touchdowns
Keenan Allen (WR, Chargers) – 1117 yards at 11.5 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys) – 1066 yards at 13.7 yards/reception, 6 touchdowns
Myles Garrett (DE, Browns) – 32 tackles, 13 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 passes defended
TJ Watt (LB, Steelers) – 41 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles, 1 interception, 6 passes defended
