2021 NFL MVP Predictions
After many of football’s brightest stars endured an injury-riddled 2020 season, some are looking to turn that disappointment into an MVP campaign in 2021.
Trades and free-agent acquisitions throughout the offseason have made predicting the 2021 MVP candidates that much more intriguing.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some possible MVP candidates for the upcoming 2021 NFL season.
Aaron Rodgers
There has not been a back-to-back MVP winner in the NFL since Peyton Manning from 2008 to 2009. However, the 2020 award recipient has a lot to prove in what could be his last season in Green Bay.
Rodgers’ shaky relationship with Packers ownership is known league wide, and many believed Rodgers would not suit up for the team in 2021.
Despite the noise, Rodgers has decided to give it one last go in Green Bay before likely moving on in 2022. This season he will want to prove to other teams he still has gas in the tank and can continue playing at an MVP level.
Matthew Stafford
Stafford spent a whopping 12 years with the Detroit Lions before finally getting his move out, and he could not have been traded into a better situation.
Not only are the Rams a good team, but they have plenty of weapons for Stafford to work with. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee are tremendous targets for Stafford to have at his disposal. The Rams’ defense is also full of difference makers that will win the team ball games.
With likely a winning record, Stafford will finally be put in the nation’s spotlight, and if he plays well enough, could garner some MVP attention.
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes is the most talented quarterback in the league hands down. It might be simple enough to say that if he stays healthy and plays as well as he can that he will have a good shot at winning the award.
Mahomes can do remarkable things on the field while also winning games, an MVP winning combination.
It will be interesting to see if Mahomes can play up to his 2018 MVP performance after a somewhat disappointing 2020.
Saquon Barkley
It is hard to believe a running back can win MVP honors after Derrick Henry failed to do so last year while rushing for over 2,000 yards. There has not been an MVP winning running back since 2006 when LaDainian Tomlinson scored 28 touchdowns.
Barkley has the chance to win the award by being an elite runner and receiver. If he can eclipse over 1,000 yards as both, Barkley may receive some MVP recognition.
It should be mentioned that Christian McCaffrey could accomplish a similar feat, but both backs will need to stay healthy if they are to have any chance.
Tom Brady
The ageless wonder has already cemented his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats, but Brady constantly feels the need to prove himself.
He has a chance to lead one of the most talented rosters in the league to the best record in the NFC. Accomplishing that alone at his age will already give Brady MVP looks.
If Brady can maintain a similar level of play to other MVP candidates while the Buccaneers hold one of the league’s best records, Brady could be receiving his fourth MVP award.
Maclain Young is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email macyoung21@gmail.com.
