Thursday is MVP! Still as dominant, Josh Allen continues to leave no room for suspense in the race for the 2022 MVP. At rest, Patrick Mahomes left all the light to his main competitor. Back in business after a week off, Jalen Hurts made the powder talk and dug a significant gap on his first pursuer in the person of Lamar Jackson. Refreshing entry this week since Geno Smith makes his appearance in the top 5 and constitutes the beautiful story of this first part of the season.
1- Josh Allen (-) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (6-1)
7 games – 2198 yards at 65.5% – 19 touchdowns, 6 interceptions – 306 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns – 105.9 rating
Opposed to a Packers team already to be placed in the category of disappointments of the season, Josh Allen and the Bills were easily detached in a game that was already played at halftime. the Bills quarterback continues to be a real double threat on his own, using his speed and his imposing physique when his cannon arm is not in a position to speak. After seven games played, we are still looking for a less good game from Josh Allen who shows his progress here this year compared to a 2021 season where he could still experience some air holes. At this stage of the year, in any case, it is difficult to imagine an MVP other than Josh Allen at the end of the season.
2- Patrick Mahomes (-) Quarterback – Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)
7 games – 2159 yards at 66.9% – 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions – 113 yards rushing – 109.5 rating
Week off for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
3- Jalen Hurts (-) Quarterback – Philadelphia Eagles (7-0)
7 games – 1799 yards at 67% – 10 touchdowns, 2 interceptions – 303 yards, 6 rushing touchdowns – 105 rating
Jalen Hurts was eagerly awaited on his return from a week of rest from which it is always difficult to emerge unscathed. But with 285 yards and four touchdowns, Hurts showed he was hungrier than ever and had the means to fulfill his ambitions. Sometimes criticized for his low number of passing touchdowns at the start of the season, Hurts this time set the record straight, well helped by a fiery AJ Brown who had his best game since arriving in Pennsylvania. As long as the Eagles continue to win with their own style, Jalen Hurts will continue to be the biggest threat to the Josh Allen-Patrick Mahomes duo in this MVP race.
4- Lamar Jackson (+1) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
8 games – 1,635 yards at 63% – 15 touchdowns, 6 interceptions – 553 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns – 94.2 rating
Back in his home state this week, Lamar Jackson was challenged to get rid of Tom Brady in prime time. In response, the Ravens quarterback sent three touchdowns in the third quarter alone and then chained several high-class runs to allow Baltimore to keep the game under control. Still a good distance from the top 3, Lamar Jackson still solidified his candidacy in this MVP race this week.
5- Geno Smith (+1) Quarterback – Seattle Seahawks (5-3)
8 games – 1,924 yards at 72.7% – 13 touchdowns, 3 interceptions – 158 yards, 1 rushing touchdown – 107.2 rating
The biggest surprise of the season is clearly called Geno Smith. In a Seattle team that was promised the race for the first draft pick, the former pariah of the Jets is having a blast. With five wins in eight games, the Seahawks dominate the NFC West and Smith is responsible for most of it. Very effective since the start of the season, the quarterback does not play particularly spectacular football, but he limits the loss of balls as much as possible and the talent of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf do the rest. With upcoming away games against the Cardinals and Tampa Bay, we should quickly learn more about Geno Smith’s ability to climb even higher in the quarterback hierarchy.
Special Mentions
Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals) – 2,329 yards on 69.2% completion, 17 touchdowns, 6 interceptions – 101.9 rating
Justin Herbert (QB, Chargers) – 2009 yards on 65.9% completion, 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions – 91.8 rating
Stefon Diggs (WR, Bills) – 764 yards on 13.9 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings) – 752 yards on 14.5 yards/reception, 2 touchdowns
Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins) – 961 yards to 13.9 yards/reception, 2 touchdowns
Saquon Barkley (RB, Giants) – 779 yards at 4.8 yards/rush, 5 touchdowns
Nick Chubb (RB, Browns) – 841 yards at 5.6 yards/rush, 10 touchdowns
Micah Parsons (LB, Cowboys) – 34 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 passes defended
James Bradberry (CB, Eagles) – 18 tackles, 10 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown