NFL MVP Watch: Week 5
After four weeks of the NFL season, some players have begun to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
Even though many players are still in contention, here are the top five favorites, in no specific order, for the prestigious award.
Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team, and their quarterback is the main reason why.
Murray, who is in his third year starting for Arizona, has played well in his first two years as a pro. However, he has stepped it up greatly this year. He has completed 76.1% of his completions, while having a QBR of 74.5, while leading his team to a 4-0 start.
If the award were to be given out today, Murray would most likely take it home. Let’s see now if he can continue this for 13 more games.
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
A new home has been just what the doctor ordered for Stafford. Despite losing last week to Arizona, Stafford has still put up MVP type numbers in his first year in Los Angeles.
He leads the league in passes completed over 40 yards and has played fabulously under head coach Sean McVay. If Stafford can only keep improving with his skilled receiving corps, then he can easily win the award. The media loves a good story when voting for MVP, and Stafford leaving Detroit for Los Angeles is a great story.
If he can lead the Rams to a great season, while continuing to pad his stats, then he will be a finalist come the end of the year.
Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of stories, no player might have as good of a story as Dak Prescott. After suffering a dislocation and a compound fracture of his right ankle last October, Prescott has bounced back with his best season yet.
The Cowboys are 3-1, with their only loss coming on opening night to the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Prescott is completing 75.2% of his passes and has a superb skills core around him. If the Cowboys can keep exceeding expectations, then Dak will be in the MVP talks.
Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
The best quarterback in the league is back to prove why he deserves that title. The Chiefs have gotten off to a slow start to their standards, but it is not because of Mahomes.
Even at 2-2, the Chiefs have the best odds to win the Super Bowl in the league, according to BetMGM. This is because of Mahomes, in his first three years as a starter, he has led his team to three straight AFC championship games, and two straight Super Bowls.
Mahomes’ stats have been as good as his previous years, as he is first in passing touchdowns in the NFL through four weeks.
If Kansas City can regain their form as the AFC’s top team, Mahomes will stick in this race.
Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
The newest superstar quarterback to join the league has led the Chargers to a 3-1 record, while looking more and more impressive each game.
Herbert, the second year quarterback out of Oregon, has played fantastic for the Chargers. He is a dark horse through four weeks, but if the Chargers surprise people and win the AFC West over the Chiefs, look for Herbert to be in MVP talks.
Jack Dempsky is a first-year majoring in business management. You can contact him at jmd7563@psu.edu
