NFL MVP Watch: Week 8
With Week 8 of the NFL season finished, the watch for this year’s MVP is ramping up.
The fight for MVP is going to be a close battle, and fans are excited to see how the remainder of the season is going to affect their favorite player’s chances of winning the title.
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has led his team to 6-1 through Week 8, leading the AFC, after defeating the Kanas City Chiefs in a revenge game in Week 6.
Through these seven games, Allen has accumulated nearly 2,200 yards, 19 touchdowns and only six interceptions, while also defeating three former MVPs from previous seasons and maintaining an average quarterback rating of 105.9 throughout all the difficult matchups.
Allen has shown that he has dramatically improved this year and is looking to lead the Bills far into the playoffs with weapons like Stefon Diggs, Devin Singletary and Gabe Davis.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
During the 2018 season, Patrick Mahomes won MVP for his stellar performance throughout the regular season and playoffs. Although the Kansas City Chiefs hold a 5-2 record through Week 8, Mahomes and the Chiefs are power ranked No. 2 in the AFC.
Mahomes continues to show his dominance this year throwing 2,159 yards for 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions, despite the loss of his star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Although his stats are more impressive than Allen’s, his record of 5-2 puts him second in the running for MVP.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles have remained as the only undefeated team so far this season.
Although he was doubted in the offseason, Hurts has shown that he can not only throw the ball but use his legs when needed. This deadly combo is the reason for Hurts’ appearance in the MVP watch.
Hurts has thrown for 1,799 yards, 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions, while also rushing for 303 yards, and six touchdowns.
The Eagles have a good-looking schedule in the second half of the season and if they continue to play at this level, Jalen Hurts looks like a top contender for MVP.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Like Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson has always been both a rushing and passing threat to defenses that go up against him. Also, like Patrick Mahomes, Jackson is looking to double his MVP trophies this year, after collecting one in the 2019 season.
Jackson has led the Baltimore Ravens to a 5-3 record leading the AFC North. Lamar Jackson has earned 1,635 yards passing with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions, with 533 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
After defeating Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson has shown that he is a playmaker and leader on the field, propelling his team high into the AFC standings.
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Although off to a slow start, the Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, are picking it back up despite the recent loss of Ja’Marr Chase due to injury for a couple of weeks.
The Bengals currently have a 4-4 record, but many people think the second half of the regular season will be positive for Cincinnati. Burrow has thrown for 2,329 yards for 17 touchdowns with only six interceptions.
He has also rushed for three touchdowns with zero fumbles. Burrow looks to have gotten his rhythm back after his Super Bowl appearance last season and is a current front runner in the MVP race.
Nick Volpe is a second-year majoring in film production. To contact him, please email nickvolpe16@gmail.com or njv5251@psu.edu.
