As the NFL prepares for week 12, there has been many names thrown in the ring for the MVP award this season. Just as fast as they appear, they also disappear. Hence Sam Darnold, once being called a dark horse MVP favorite now has fans calling for him to be benched. But these five names have remained consistent and led their teams unlike many others.
#5: Joe Burrow- Cincinatti Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has had one of the best seasons of any passer this year. The only reason Burrow is at number five of the list and not number one, is because somehow Cincinatti sit with a 4-7 record. Even with the Bengals losing season it would be impossible to ignore putting the former LSU QB in the conversation for most valuable player of the year.
Burrow currently leads the league in both passing yards (3,028) and passing touchdowns (27) while only throwing four interceptions and completing 67% of his passes. The Bengals quarterback has done everything in his power to wield his team to victory time and time again this season. It’s easy to see without Burrow at quarterback, Cincinnati would be the worst team in the NFL. This proves how valuable he truly is, and why he should be talked about as a contender for the MVP.
#4: Derrick Henry- Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens found their missing piece to truly unlock a new level of offense, running back Derrick Henry. Through most the season Baltimore has displayed one of the most dominant and efficient offenses in the NFL. A big part of that success is the former Tennessee Titans back, Derrick Henry who has proved a running back can still play at a high level at age 30.
Henry currently leads the league in both rushing yards (1,185) and rushing touchdowns (13) while also adding 96 yards receiving and two scores through the air. Although, the MVP award is typically a quarterback’s award the Ravens star running back has given fans no choice but to include him in the conversation. Henry is also a front runner for Offensive Player of The Year.
#3: Saquon Barkley- Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has had the best year of his career. The former New York Giant has found the right place for him to thrive and show the world his true talent. Barkley has single handedly given the Eagles offense what it’s desperately needed in so many games this season.
Saquon Barkley currently is second in rushing yards only behind Henry, with 1,137 and eight rushing touchdowns. What puts Barkley ahead of Derrick Henry on this list, is his receiving ability and difference making in the pass game. The Eagles back also has 210 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Putting him firmly in the conversation for MVP.
#2: Josh Allen- Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has clearly been one of the best quarterbacks this season. Including some very heroic moments, like running in the game sealing touchdown to give the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the year.
This season Allen has thrown for 2,543 yards and 18 touchdown passes, while throwing only five interceptions. The versatile quarterback has also added 316 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to his season total. Josh Allen has been a top quarterback this season no doubt, but the MVP is won through the entire season not just off a few heroic moments in prime time.
#1: Lamar Jackson- Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson has potentially had his best season to date. Jackson won the MVP award last season, for the second time of his career. If he were to win it again this season, he would be the youngest player in NFL history to win the MVP three times.
History aside, this year Jackson sits second in both passing yards and touchdowns only behind Joe Burrow. He’s thrown for 2,876 yards and 25 touchdowns to only three interceptions. Additionally, Jackson has run for 584 yards and two more touchdowns. The Ravens quarterback is coming off a bad performance against a very good Pittsburgh Steelers defense, but over the course of the season it’s hard to argue anyone has played better than Lamar Jackson. Which is why he is the number one front runner to win his third MVP of his career.
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