We’re over a quarter of the way through the year, and it’s time to look at who the top players are in the NFL. It’s way too early to say who’s walking away with the most prestigious award in football (MVP), but it sure is fun to speculate. Here’s the list according to Jalin Coblentz of Knup Sports. All stats are through five games.
Kyler Murray, QB Arizona Cardinals
Murray’s having the best season of his young career and has led the Arizona Cardinals into week 6 as the only undefeated team left in the NFL. He’s thrown for 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 3 more on the ground. He also has the best completion percentage in the NFL at 75%. His improved accuracy and decision-making have led to his success so far on the season.
2. Tom Brady, QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
You can’t have a list of MVP candidates without the GOAT himself. Brady is leading the league in passing yards with 1,767, he’s second in touchdowns with 15, and he’s also leading the league in completions. 44 is not just his age, it’s also the number of touchdowns that Brady is on pace to throw by Week 15 of the season. Not bad for a guy old enough to be a grandpa.
3. Justin Herbert, QB Los Angeles Chargers
In just the second year of his career, Justin Herbert is shocking everyone with his play so far this year. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, and he’s getting early MVP talks this year.
He has 1,576 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. He’s one of the best deep-ball quarterbacks in the league and he’s someone to keep your eye on as the season progresses.
4. Josh Allen, QB Buffalo Bills
The rate at which Josh Allen is improving year after year is phenomenal. Criticized in years one and two for his lack of accuracy, Allen currently has a completion percentage of 62%, which isn’t great, but it’s good enough to get him on this list. He’s a duel threat quarterback with over 1,500 total yards and 14 total touchdowns and he’s got the Bills at 4-1. He’s also limiting his mistakes and has just 2 interceptions on the year.
5. Matthew Stafford, QB Los Angeles Rams
It seems like all Stafford needed was a change in scenery and playmakers. He struggled for years in Detroit, but he’s making the most of his chance in LA. Stafford third in the league in passing yards with 1,587, he has 12 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 68%. Stafford is having a career year for the Rams and is making a decent case to be considered for his first MVP award.
Dark Horses
The MVP award in the NFL has basically become a quarterback won award, but here are a few players not under center that should at least be considered.
1.Trevon Diggs, CB Dallas Cowboys
Diggs is having an unprecedentedly good year at cornerback for the Cowboys. He has 6 interceptions on the year, including at least one through every game so far. He’s got more catches on the year than some tight ends and receivers do. If not MVP, then Diggs is a lock for Defensive Player of the Year talks.
2. Myles Garret, DE Cleveland Browns
Garret is leading the NFL in sacks with 7.5 and is a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. He’s tied for second in the league with 30 total quarterback pressures. His showing against the Chicago Bears was a signature performance that will be remembered when MVP and Defensive Player of the Year votes are cast.
3. Derrick Henry, RB Tennessee Titans
For the past several years, Derrick Henry has been one of the top running backs in football. This year is no different.
He leads the league in rushing touchdowns with 7, has 100 more yards than the next closest running back, and is leading the league in rushing first downs and rushing attempts. To not include him in the conversation would be a travesty and he should get some mentions come voting time.
