NFL MVP Watch: Week 5
Over a quarter of the way into the NFL season, numerous players have begun to stand out from the rest of the league, putting their teams on the map as true Super Bowl contenders. Here are the best NFL MVP candidates thus far this season.
Tom Brady, Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady continues to defy Father Time, all while dominating the NFL every week.
Brady, and the defending champion Buccaneers, continue to thrive this season, most recently devastating the Miami Dolphins 45-17. Tampa Bay now sits at 4-1 on the season, enough to put them in first place in the NFC South.
Brady continues to succeed individually as well, as he currently leads the NFL in passing yards through five games with 1,767. Brady has also thrown for 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions thus far.
With an array of elite pass catchers in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski all at his disposal, it is hard to see Brady slowing down soon.
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has been putting the NFL on notice lately. After leading the Bills to a 40-0 shutout of the Texans last week, Allen then led Buffalo to a huge 38-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Beating the reigning AFC Champions is just the latest accolade for Allen, who has been phenomenal over the last two seasons.
In 2021, Allen has accumulated an impressive 1,370 passing yards, as well as 14 total touchdowns. It has been enough to position Buffalo atop the AFC East, as was expected by most coming into the year.
With the Bills rolling after earning a fourth straight win, the success should only continue for Allen. With a deep pool of offensive talent to work with, the sky is the limit for him this season.
Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Cardinals
The Cardinals remain the lone undefeated team in the NFL, and it’s all because of Kyler Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick has continued to prove that Arizona made the right choice selecting him in 2019.
Murray has been electric this season, already throwing for 1,512 pass yards, while also contributing 13 total touchdowns.
Murray has also helped Arizona make tremendous strides inside its competitive NFC West division. The Cardinals have already defeated their rivals, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, this season, which could be huge for their playoff aspirations.
As Arizona has emerged as a true threat, Murray has made it clear that he’s here to stay as an MVP-level quarterback.
Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
After enjoying a fantastic rookie season in 2020, where he set the NFL record for passing touchdowns in a rookie season, Justin Herbert has only gotten better in 2021.
The sixth-overall pick in last year’s draft has already had plenty of success this season. He has helped lead the Chargers to a 4-1 record, putting them atop the AFC West going into Week 6.
The Chargers have earned a number of big wins this season, including defeating their division-rival Chiefs in Week 3, as well as pulling off a thrilling Week 5 victory over the Browns.
Statistically, Herbert has looked like a star. He already has recorded 1,576 yards and 13 passing touchdowns this season, while also proving to have great chemistry with teammates Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, all of whom have been fantastic this season.
Herbert will hope to continue this elite run, and help the Chargers reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Joe Tuman is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email joentuman@gmail.com.
