NFL
By: Monte Perez
I can’t remember a year where the MVP Award was up for grabs this late in the season. The player favored to win this award, changes week by week. A ton of sports writers had Russell Wilson as the favorite in pre-season and others had Tua Tagovailoa and Geno Smith claiming the MVP, half way through the year. Obviously, none of this will happen.
Top 5 MVP Candidates:
5) Nick Bosa, Defensive End (San Francisco 49ers):
The 49ers have the best defense in the National Football League. They are ranked 1st in the NFL in almost every defensive category and they are only giving up 15.2 points per game. Bosa has 14.5 sacks on the year. He does this despite being constantly double teamed by offensive linemen. The last defensive player to win the NFL’s MVP Award was in 1986. New York Giants Linebacker, Lawrence Taylor accomplished this feat. I don’t think Bosa will win, but he is in the conversation.
4) Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver ( Minnesota Vikings):
In 13 games Jefferson has been absolutely dominant. He has 99 receptions, 1,500 yards, 6 touchdowns and is averaging, 15.2 yards per catch. Jefferson is one of the most complete wide receivers I have seen since Calvin Johnson played for the Detroit Lions. Jefferson can beat you with speed or as a possession receiver over the middle. Tyreek Hill is considered by most to be the best WR in the NFL, if I had to choose… I would take Jefferson.
3) Joe Burrow, Quarterback ( Cincinnati Bengals):
The AFC North is considered to be one of the best defensive divisions in the NFL. The Ravens, Browns and Steelers all take pride in their defensive prowess. Over the past 2 seasons, the has not affected quarterback, Joe Burrow. The Bengals are 4th in the league in yards per game and passing yards. They are scoring 28 points per contest. Burrow has his team off to a 9-4 record and he has done this despite his team having numerous injuries on offense. He is completing 68% of his passes and has 27 touchdowns on the year. Burrow and the Bengals could make a 2nd straight trip to the Super Bowl.
2) Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback (Kansas City Chiefs):
I can’t tell you how many times, when Tyreek Hill got traded to the Miami Dolphins, the so called,“experts” said Patrick Mahomes would take a step back this year. I thought that was ridiculous, Mahomes can make any WR, a good, productive player. The Chiefs are battling for home field advantage in the AFC and Mahomes has been magnificent. He is completing 65.8% of his passes, averaging 320 yards per game, and has 33 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. As long as he stays healthy, Kansas City could make it back to A 5th straight AFC Championship Game.
1) Jalen Hurts, Quarterback ( Philadelphia Eagles):
The Eagles have the NFL’s best record at 12-1. They are winning differently each week. 2 Week ago, Hurts threw for 3 touchdown passes against the Tennessee Titans. Last week, against the Giants, Miles Sanders rushed for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. This is a team that can beat you with big passing plays and running the ball. They are the most complete team in the league with the best offensive line. Hurts deserves the MVP. He is the first player in the history of the NFL to record at least 6,500 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards in his first 30 starts. He has become a much better passer completing 68% of his passes with 32 total touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. The Eagles could win 15 games this season.
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