Lamar Jackson seems to have killed all the suspense this week.
With a whopping five passing touchdowns, the Ravens quarterback showed the remaining skeptics that he has become a real thrower in his own right. Limited by injury, Christian McCaffrey did not shine as usual and undoubtedly said goodbye to the title with his package already announced for week 18. Behind him, Brock Purdy got back into the rhythm but the spotlight has moved away from him now. Back in shape, Dak Prescott finds himself in a somewhat desperate race while Tyreek Hill remains in the top 5 with a slight hope of winning the title of offensive player of the year.
1- Lamar Jackson (+1) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
16 games – 3678 yards at 67.2% – 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 102.7 rating
Lamar Jackson seems to be heading straight for a second MVP title, a feat achieved by only ten players in the history of the league. His dazzling performance in the Ravens’ crushing victory over the Dolphins, with 321 passing yards and five touchdowns, confirms his status as an undeniable contender.
Under the leadership of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson not only broke his personal best in number of passes completed (307) and yards (3,678), but he also reduced his number of attempts and rushing yards sign of the evolution of his game and his gain in efficiency.
Jackson’s evolution is undeniable, just like that of the Ravens offense. Together, they form a formidable group, propelling Jackson to a potential second MVP title, and why not his first Super Bowl.
2- Christian McCaffrey (-1) Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
16 games – 1459 yards at 5.4 yards/carry, 14 touchdowns – 564 yards at 8.4 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
For only the second time this season Christian McCaffrey did not find his way to the end zone, a bit of a surprise considering the Washington Commanders are one of the worst teams against the run this season. Not helped by an injury that sidelined him for almost half the game, it was his replacement Elijah Mitchell who recorded his most productive game of his season with 17 carries, leading the 49ers’ ground attack.
While the move is beneficial for the 49ers who hope to keep everyone healthy for the playoffs, it dealt a major blow to McCaffrey’s chances of winning the MVP award. The odds were already unfavorable, and now that Kyle Shanahan made his withdrawal official for the last game of the regular season, his chances of winning the MVP are practically zero.
3- Brock Purdy (-) Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
16 games – 4,280 yards at 69.4% – 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions – 113 rating
Brock Purdy had a decent performance in the 49ers’ win against Washington, but it wasn’t enough to silence some of his detractors, who were very vocal after his four-interception game against Baltimore last week. His 230 yards and two touchdowns would not have been enough to overtake Jacksoneven if the latter had not thrown for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns.
Purdy had a remarkable season, proving to everyone that his incredible rookie campaign was no fluke. Unfortunately, Mr. Irrelevant will not end the season with an MVP award.
4- Dak Prescott (+1) Quarterback – Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
16 games – 4,237 yards at 68.8% – 32 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 104.2 rating
Dak Prescott reminded everyone this week why he is one of the big names in the MVP race this season.
The late-game officiating controversy in Week 17, which overturned a Lions two-point conversion, stood out, but it would be unfair not to recognize Prescott’s crucial importance in the Cowboys’ performance. From the start of the game, Prescott showed great calm by avoiding a safety on a third and 13, before finding CeeDee Lamb for what would become the first 90-yard offensive action of the season. Dallas trailed 13-10 in the fourth quarter before Prescott found Brandin Cooks in the end zone.
It’s unlikely Prescott will be able to pass Jackson in the MVP race in the Cowboys’ final game of the season against the Commanders. However, in several games this season with playoff stakes, he impressed, while racking up the most passing touchdowns and fourth-most passing yards of the season.
5- Tyreek Hill (-1) Receveur – Miami Dolphins (11-5)
15 games – 1717 yards at 15.3 yards/reception, 12 touchdowns
In the cutthroat world of the NFL, the race for MVP is often a matter of quarterbacks. But this year, Tyreek Hill shakes up the codes. With a dazzling season, he defied tradition and established himself as a serious contender for the MVP title.
Hill, with his 1,717 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, leads the league. His dazzling performance propelled the Dolphins into serious contenders in the AFC. His ability to change the course of a match is undeniable, and his absence is cruelly felt when he is not on the field. Compared to historic seasons like those of Calvin Johnson or Cooper Kupp, Hill could even surpass their records with a big game this week.
Finally, the upcoming duel between him and Christian McCaffrey for the title of offensive player of the year is almost more exciting than the debate around the MVP. But one thing is certain, Hill is not only the driving force of the Dolphins, he is a phenomenon who redefines the importance of a receiver in the quest for the MVP.
Special mentions
Josh Allen (QB, Bills) – 3947 yards at 65.6% completions, 27 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 91.5 rating
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) – 4451 yards at 69.6% completions, 28 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 103 rating
Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams) – 3965 yards at 62.6% completions, 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 92.5 rating
Jalen Hurts (QB, Eagles) – 3803 yards at 66.1% completions, 23 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 91 rating
Raheem Mostert (RB, Dolphins) – 1012 yards at 4.8 yards/carry, 18 touchdowns – 175 yards at 7 yards/reception, 3 touchdowns
A.J. Brown (WR, Eagles) – 1447 yards at 13.8 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns
Deebo Samuel (WR, 49ers) – 871 yards at 15 yards/reception, 7 touchdowns – 214 yards at 5.9 yards/carry, 5 touchdowns
CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys) – 1651 yards at 13.5 yards/reception, 10 touchdowns – 106 yards at 8.2 yards/carry, 2 touchdowns
Myles Garrett (DE, Browns) – 42 tackles, 14 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble covered, 3 passes defended
T.J. Watt (LB, Steelers) – 60 tackles, 17 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 covered fumbles, 1 interception, 8 passes defended
2024-01-04 14:00:28
#Race #MVP #S17 #Lamar #Jackson
