NFL MVP Watch: Conference Championship Round
The NFL MVP award is the highest accomplishment a player can achieve, outside of winning the Super Bowl of course.
This year, the Super Bowl will feature two of the top candidates for MVP. As we await the big game and recap a great season, let's take a look at the MVP rankings.
Patrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback has had a remarkable season. After the Chiefs traded star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, everyone expected the Chiefs’ offense and Patrick Mahomes to decline.
Mahomes had other plans though, leading Kansas City to a 14-3 record, the AFC’s top seed and the number one scoring offense this season. He threw for 5,250 yards, 41 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also added 358 yards and four touchdowns on the ground and had a QBR of 77.5.
His 5,250 yards not only led the league this season, but it was a new career high for Mahomes who ranks fourth all time in NFL history for the most passing yards in a single season. His 77.5 QBR and 41 passing touchdowns were also a league high.
After a tremendous season, the likely 2023 MVP is headed to Arizona to play for his second career Super Bowl title.
Joe Burrow
After leading the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl last year, quarterback Joe Burrow had another exceptional season. He led the Bengals to a 12-4 record and a second straight AFC North title, throwing for 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Burrow also rushed for 257 yards and five touchdowns and had a QBR of 58.6.
Burrow’s 4,475 passing yards ranked fifth in the league this season, and his 35 touchdowns were tied for second in the league. In only his second full year as a starter after overcoming a torn ACL his rookie season, Burrow exceeded expectations and has many regarding him as the second or third best quarterback in the league.
Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts took a gigantic leap this season and proved he is Philadelphia’s next franchise quarterback, leading the Eagles to a 14-3 record and the NFC’s number one seed. He threw for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions with a QBR of 66.3. Hurts also rushed for 760 yards and a whopping 13 touchdowns.
Hurts’ six interceptions were tied for fourth lowest in the league this season, and his 66.3 QBR was also the fourth-best in the league. Hurts and the Eagles are headed to Arizona to face off against Mahomes and the Chiefs for a Super Bowl title.
To find out who officially wins the NFL MVP award, tune into the NFL Honors show Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m.
Jonathan Hartley is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jdh6293@psu.edu.
