Who says week 13 also says takeover for number 13 of the 49ers, Brock Purdy!
Ultra impressive on the Eagles' field, the young quarterback therefore took the lead under the nose of a beaten Jalen Hurts but who also did not sink despite the constant pressure put by the defensive line of the 49ers. But Purdy is not the only Californian representative since Christian McCaffrey completes the podium while he does not seem to be slowing down since week 1. Dak Prescott retains his fourth place at the dawn of a confrontation of all dangers against the Eagles . As elusive as ever, Tyreek Hill finally enters the top 5 and it is more than deserved.
1- Brock Purdy (+1) Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
12 games – 3185 yards at 70.2% – 23 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 116.1 rating
Brock Purdy presents the strongest bid to date for the NFL MVP title, thanks to statistics that are far superior to all his peers. With a 70% completion rate, 3,185 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and just six interceptions, Purdy stands out even among names like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. His performances against top teams, including 11 touchdowns and no interceptions against Dallas, Jacksonville and Philadelphia, are particularly notable.
However, Purdy must overcome a persistent negative perception due to his status as “Mr. Irrelevant” and the idea that he is simply taking advantage of a context where he is very well surrounded by the 49ers. The team's struggles during a three-game losing streak, where Purdy was unable to overcome injuries to key players and defensive lapses, fueled the criticism.
But we have to face the facts. Brock Purdy is rolling over each of his opponents with disconcerting ease at the moment. And even the Eagles, in their den, could only observe the damage. He is for sure the number 1 favorite today, as hard as that may be to believe for his detractors.
2- Jalen Hurts (-1) Quarterback – Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
12 games – 2995 yards at 66.5% – 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 93.8 rating
Jalen Hurts has every reason to claim the MVP title. Prior to the loss to the 49ers, Hurts led impressive comebacks against the Chiefs and Bills, proving that his knee injury earlier in the season is now a distant memory. With his ability to dominate his opponents both passing and running, Hurts proved to be a key player in crucial moments. After finishing second to Patrick Mahomes last year, he has established himself this season as one of the most decisive quarterbacks.
However, the loss to San Francisco slowed his momentum. The surprising outcome of that game, marked by Hurts' brief outing for a concussion evaluation, gave his competitors a boost in the MVP race. Some may remember that last year too, he lost his title chances due to a shoulder injury at the end of the season. Another injury at this crucial stage could seriously damage his chances.
In conclusion, despite the loss against San Francisco, Hurts still has every chance of winning the MVP. The next match against Dallas will be decisive. His performance in this crucial game could either cement his lead in the MVP race or open the door for other contenders.
3- Christian McCaffrey (+2) Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
12 games – 1,032 yards at 4.9 yards/carry, 12 touchdowns – 429 yards at 8.4 yards/reception, 5 touchdowns
Christian McCaffrey continues his high-class season. With 1,032 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, as well as 429 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season, McCaffrey is on track to surpass 2,000 total yards for the second time in his career. His impact on the 49ers offense is undeniable, making him the driving force of the team.
However, McCaffrey's bid for MVP is complicated by the presence of his teammate, Brock Purdy, who also posts impressive stats. However, even his coach Kyle Shanahan has emphasized how he can be just as valuable as any quarterback in the league. This recognition from Shanahan highlights McCaffrey's crucial role in the team's success.
Although McCaffrey is a worthy candidate for MVP, the historical preference for quarterbacks and the presence of Purdy could limit his chances of winning the title. Nevertheless, his work within the 49ers offense remains phenomenal.
4- Dak Prescott – Quarterback – Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
12 games – 3,234 yards at 70.1% – 26 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 108.3 rating
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is on the rise thanks to a series of excellent performances. With 21 passing touchdowns and only two interceptions in his last seven games, Prescott has been a pillar of success for Dallas, which has lost only once during this period. What sets Prescott apart this season is his ability to remain precise and efficient throughout the match while limiting the errors that he sometimes lacked to a minimum. His newfound mobility adds an extra dimension to his game.
However, Prescott faces criticism for his inability to lead his team to victory in crucial moments. Without a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter some are questioning his credibility as an MVP.
To win the MVP, Prescott will likely have to lead the Cowboys to win the NFC East and continue to post impressive stats. The upcoming game against the Eagles will be crucial. The Eagles' recent defeat against San Francisco strengthened his chances, but he will have to perform flawlessly to get back on Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts.
5- Tyreek Hill – Receiver – Miami Dolphins (9-3)
12 games – 1481 yards at 15.9 yards/reception, 12 touchdowns
Tyreek Hill continues to dazzle the NFL microcosm. With his electrifying performance, Hill is on track to become the first player in history to surpass 2,000 receiving yards in a season. Already with 93 receptions, 1,481 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games, and over 100 yards in six of his last eight games, Hill has had a monumental impact on the Dolphins since arriving via trade last year. He became an essential part of the team, radically changing their destiny.
However, the MVP award remains largely dominated by quarterbacks, and Hill's historic performance could ultimately benefit his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, more. Even a 2,000-yard season might not be enough to convince voters, unless he adds 20 touchdowns to his record.
Although Tyreek Hill is a clear candidate for Offensive Player of the Year, the MVP seems out of reach unless there is a spectacular collapse of the other quarterbacks in the running. His performance is undoubtedly impressive, but in a league where quarterbacks reign supreme, Hill could find himself limited to being the best offensive player.
Special mentions
CJ Stroud (QB, Texans) – 3,540 yards at 63.4% completions, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 101.2 rating
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) – 3457 yards at 70.1% completions, 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 106 rating
Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) – 3,127 yards at 67.8 completions, 22 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 95.1 rating
Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) – 2,618 yards at 68.3% completions, 13 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 98.4 rating
AJ Brown (WR, Eagles) – 1164 yards at 14.4 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Keenan Allen (WR, Chargers) – 1175 yards at 11.5 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys) – 1182 yards at 13.1 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Myles Garrett (DE, Browns) – 32 tackles, 13 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 passes defended
TJ Watt (LB, Steelers) – 47 tackles, 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles, 1 interception, 7 passes defended
