Finalists for a number of NFL awards, including Most Valuable Player, were announced Thursday.
Within seconds an argument began.
The debate over this season's MVP is an interesting one, considering the five finalists and how voters perceive their values. Is “the quarterback of the best team” the most valuable player? If that's the case, then Lamar Jackson has a very strong case. Is the “most productive player in the best offense” the most valuable player? If so, Christian McCaffrey's argument is very strong. Is there any debate about the most efficient player? That brings us to Brock Purdy.
Five great players, five great seasons, and five upcoming lawsuits.
Here are the five finalists for the NFL's MVP award, ranked by likelihood of winning.
5. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy's MVP case starts here. He was the starting quarterback on one of the NFL's best teams and was one of the most talented players in football this season.according to RBSDM.comPurdy averaged .360 expected points per play this season, which was higher than any other quarterback in the league.
Dak Prescott was second with an EPA/Play of 0.262.
Additionally, Purdy posted a completion percentage above expectations (CPOE) of over 5.4%, the best in the NFL.
What about the case against Purdy? It starts with context. He has an incredibly talented group around him, including MVP finalist Christian McCaffrey, and Kyle Shanahan has put him in a position to succeed. Having a teammate among the finalists is a difficult hurdle to overcome as he tries to find the single most valuable player in today's game.
And frankly, that applies to McCaffrey as well.
Arguments like Purdy's may someday become a reality, but perhaps now is not the day.
4. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott, like Tony Romo, seems destined for an underrated career.be the quarterback of dallas cowboys That naturally leads to extreme pressure, but despite that, Prescott thrived in 2023 in a way we've never seen before.
Prescott led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns and also set career highs in completion percentage, passer rating, and TD/INT ratio. The end of the Cowboys' season may have been disappointing, but their failure as a team had nothing to do with the man under center.
There are other quarterbacks more deserving of the 2023 MVP award, but at least this should give Prescott more recognition as one of the true NFL top-five quarterbacks who are routinely undervalued. is.
3. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Bills QB Josh Allen has had a roller coaster year. His turnovers and middling performance led to the firing of then-offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, but from there Allen led the Bills on a rampage through the league until he was exiled again to Kansas City in the playoffs. Despite the turnovers, Allen finished second in EPA/play by Summer Sports and was also first in total rushing EPA. Add to this his total of 44 touchdowns and you can see why he's such an appealing MVP candidate.
But most of all, Allen led his team to the playoffs. Trailing 6-6, the Bills pushed Kansas City to the brink in a home playoff game. He could be the driving force behind their comeback and receive a ton of MVP votes.
2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
It takes a lot If there's one running back in the modern NFL who competes for MVP, it's Christian McCaffrey.of 49ers They'd still be a good team without CMC, but there's no way they'd sniff an NFC Championship game without CMC.
The best all-around player in the NFL, McCaffrey finished the 2023 season with 1,459 yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 564 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. He's the glue that makes this offense work, and the ever-present threat of breaking through for a home run touchdown or picking up hard yards for a first down means he means it. means. have Each down is considered. This allows the rest of the Niners' weapons to attack and all is well.
Will McCaffrey win MVP? Probably not. This award has become synonymous with “Best Quarterback,” and there's a very strong case here. It would be amazing if a non-QB wins, but not if McCaffrey wins.
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson's case is simple. He's a driving force on the best team in the NFL while still being at a higher level than when he unanimously won his MVP award. Jackson has baltimore ravens They have the best record in the NFL and are on the verge of making their first Super Bowl appearance since 2012. Jackson may be 9th in EPA per play and 11th in total rushing EPA, but as he watches the Ravens play; Power When Lamar is playing with him, it's clear he's on a different level than he's ever been before. He is completing passes at a higher rate than in previous seasons, with his 25 total touchdowns and just his nine turnovers (seven interceptions, two lost fumbles).
Jackson is also a major reason why Baltimore has had such a great record against teams above .500. In games against the aforementioned teams, Jackson threw 15 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He's taken his game to a completely higher level this year, and with the Ravens stepping up to his level, he's the favorite to win MVP.
