With the MVP race narrowing down to a few top candidates, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, and Tyreek Hill, I see it fitting to focus on a few candidates and give my choice for winner.
Jalen Hurts
Forbes
Starting with former Alabama quarterback and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts is ascending the throne for numerous occasions and awards. Let’s hit on his background and stats before we get into all of his awards.
Jalen Alexander Hurts, born August 7th, 1998, to his two parents, Averion and Pamela Hurts, in Houston, Texas, seemed always to have a thing for sports. By the time he was in high school, he was benching more than most, and this incredible feat carried well on into his college career. Obviously, we are talking about his Alabama career and not his time at the other school. Hurts was drafted number 53 overall in the second round to a Philadelphia Eagles team led by then-starting quarterback Carson Wentz.
According to ESPN, Hurts’ 2023 stats are as follows, 2,697 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions sitting him at a 63.3 QBR and making Hurts my top choice for this National Football League’s seasons Most Valuable Player. Hurts also has 410 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Now, I obviously might be a little biased because of Hurts’ achievements with the University of Alabama football team, but nonetheless, I believe his time is now and his accolades are due.
Patrick Mahomes
Sports Illustrated
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a front-runner for the NFL MVP award, an award that he has won twice before, 2018 and 2022. If Mahomes was to win it this year, he would join a club that only six other players are members of.
Although many believe Hurts was shorted by People Magazine for the “21 Sexiest Men in Sports,” let’s hope that the AP, Associated Press, sees his worth.
Although I want Hurts to win, Mahomes’ stats are very impressive and makes a statement yet again for his appeal at MVP. According to ESPN, Mahomes’ 2023 stats are as follows, 2,917 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, with a 70.2 QBR. Mahomes also has 305 rushing yards.
An interesting stat to watch out for is that the Chiefs’ receiving corps leads the NFL in drops, but yet Mahomes still ranks among the best. I am sure this fact will be heavily considered during the selection process.
Mahomes and Hurts faced off in a Super Bowl rematch during Week 11, that Hurts, and the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately came out victorious.
Dak Prescott
Sports Illustrated
The former Mississippi State and current Dallas Cowboy quarterback has been leading “America’s team,” in their 8-3 season.
According to ESPN, Prescott has 2,935 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions sitting his quarterback rating (QBR) at 75.4. This QBR makes him the highest rated quarterback in the running, yet, his odds are lower than Hurts and Mahomes.
Prescott’s recent performance against the Washington Commanders really pushed Prescott into the MVP race. He finished the game with 331 passing yards and four touchdowns. His Thursday Night Football game tonight against the Seattle Seahawks will really have an impact on his candidacy.
Lamar Jackson
The former University of Louisville Cardinal and current Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is fourth on ESPN’s list for the NFL MVP. This week, I am also rooting for his alma mater to destroy the Texas Longhorns…Roll Tide!
According to ESPN, Jackson has 2,618 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions sitting his quarterback rating at 58.6. Jackson also has 574 rushing yards with five rushing touchdowns.
Tyreek Hill
Fox Sports
The only spot not taken by a quarterback goes to former West Alabama, current Miami Dolphins, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, also known as Cheetah.
According to ESPN, Hill has 1,324 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He is currently on schedule to break an NFL 2,046 receiving-yard record.
It is also good to mention that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud were all listed as honorable mentions for NFL MVP by ESPN. This mention is a major accomplishment for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud seeing as though Jim Brown (1957) is the only rookie to actually win this award.
So, who do you guys and girls have for your NFL MVP pick, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, Tyreek Hill or someone else? Do you prefer an honorable mention over a candidate? Comment and let us know your thoughts and opinions.
