Funny week since all the members of the Top 5 of last week’s MVP Race lost their match!
Despite the defeat, Tua Tagovailoa retains his first place. Held back by an injury all week, Christian McCaffrey still found the strength to score two more touchdowns. New man in form of the moment, Lamar Jackson shows up for the first time this season in our ranking to establish himself directly on the podium. It’s Jared Goff who is paying the price, completely out of his depth this week like his entire team. For once, it’s a defender who completes the ranking since TJ Watt continues his completely crazy season.
1- Tua Tagovailoa (-) Quarterback – Miami Dolphins (5-2)
7 games – 2092 yards at 71.2% – 15 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 110.4 rating
Tua Tagovailoa had a complicated evening during the Dolphins’ rout against the Eagles, marked by a fatal interception in the last quarter. This blunder was costly, offering an additional touchdown to Philadelphia and sealing the fate of the match. With 216 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception, the Dolphins quarterback remained below his usual standards. Fans did not fail to express their frustration, pointing out the impact of his error on the final result. Despite this poor performance, Tagovailoa remains in the race for MVP, but he will have to recover quickly to maintain his chances. But everything is moving very quickly in the NFL since Tua and his Dolphins must already turn to the Patriots.
2- Christian McCaffrey (-) Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
7 games – 598 yards at 4.8 yards per carry, 8 touchdowns – 26 receptions, 228 yards, 3 touchdowns
Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers dynamo, braved an oblique injury to dominate his subject against the Vikings, participating in all 53 offensive actions for his team. With 15 carries and three receptions, he proved that he was essential to the 49ers’ attack, even if the offensive line struggled to open gaps for him. His constant presence on the field raises questions about the 49ers’ strategy: are they playing with fire by playing him injured, or is McCaffrey simply irreplaceable, even for a few snaps? Either way, he’s ready to face the Bengals in the next game, and the following week off will be crucial to his recovery. McCaffrey remains a key player in the MVP race, and the 49ers seem determined to use him to his full potential, no matter the cost.
3- Lamar Jackson – Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
7 games – 1610 yards at 71% – 8 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 101.9 rating
Lamar Jackson delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, reminding everyone why he is a former MVP and why he is in contention again this season. Facing an in-form Lions team, Jackson took control, throwing for 357 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 36 yards rushing and another touchdown. His connection with tight end Mark Andrews was electric, and together they dismantled the opposing defense. With a favorable schedule ahead and a well-deserved break, the Ravens are positioned to dominate, and Jackson continues to strengthen his MVP bid.
4- Jared Goff (-1) Quarterback – Detroit Lions (5-2)
7 games – 1902 yards at 68% – 11 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 97.5 rating
Week 7 was a real test for Jared Goff and the Lions, who suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Ravens. Goff never seemed to find his rhythm, finishing with 284 yards and an interception. Despite this performance below his standards, we should not remove him from the race for MVP. The Lions have a favorable schedule coming up with games against the Raiders, Chargers and Bears, providing Goff the opportunity to bounce back and get his MVP campaign back on track. His leadership and ability to bounce back will be crucial to maintain his chances in the race for the supreme individual title.
5- TJ Watt – Linebacker – Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
7 games – 16 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles, 1 interception, 5 passes defended
TJ Watt once again proved that he is a force to be reckoned with, tying a record held by legend Lawrence Taylor. With his impressive interception against the Rams, Watt joined Taylor as the only players to have more than seven interceptions and 70 sacks in just seven seasons. In 93 games, Watt amassed 85.5 sacks and seven interceptions, numbers that speak for themselves. But for Watt, individual records take second place. Its main objective? Win a playoff game and why not reach the Super Bowl, something that has eluded him until now. With this mentality and his performance on the field, Watt positions himself not only as an undisputed leader of the defense, but also as a serious contender for the MVP title.
Special mentions
Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) – 2017 yards at 69.5% completions, 15 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 101 rating
Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers) – 1,668 yards at 67.9% completions, 11 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 107.2 rating
Kirk Cousins (QB, Vikings) – 2,057 yards at 68.9% completions, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 101.7 rating
Puka Nacua (WR, Rams) – 752 yards at 13 yards/reception, 2 touchdowns
AJ Brown (WR, Eagles) – 809 yards at 15.6 yards/reception, 3 touchdowns
Keenan Allen (WR, Chargers) – 574 yards at 12.5 yards/reception, 4 touchdowns
Raheem Mostert (RB, Dolphins) – 474 yards at 5.6 yards/carry, 9 touchdowns – 151 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
D’Andre Swift (RB, Eagles) – 514 yards at 5.1 yards/carry, 2 touchdowns
Myles Garrett (DE, Browns) – 22 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed
