Ranking the top candidates for the NFL MVP

NFL MVP discussions happen after each week of the season, but it feels appropriate to take stock of the race for the highest individual honor around the campaign’s halfway point. Just like the NFL standings indicate, the year has been filled with parity, and the wide open sprint to the finish also holds true for MVP candidates as well. We’ll examine who should legitimately be in the conversation.

The fact that a rookie quarterback even finds himself on the outskirts of this group is pretty impressive. Stroud has been tremendous for a Houston team looking to build an identity in 2023. He’s not going to leap into serious MVP consideration in all likelihood, but Stroud may have the opportunity to shine in late-season contests, and perhaps even a postseason tilt.

Dating back to last season, McCaffery tied an NFL record in 2023 by scoring a touchdown in 17 consecutive games. While last year’s proficiency should not factor into this season’s individual awards, McCaffery’s high usage rate with the 49ers makes him the most valuable player on arguably the best team. His versatility helps make San Francisco a Super Bowl favorite.

He got off to a slow start as he shook off a calf injury, but Burrow has hit his stride in the last few weeks. Everyone knows that he isn’t going to flinch in big games, and his ability to deliver the ball down the field has catapulted Cincinnati back into the division race. With a signature moment or two down the stretch, Burrow could ascend higher on this list.

There has been a lot of chicken and the egg arguments made about Tagovailoa’s importance to Miami’s offense, but it seems clear now that his presence is the straw that stirs the drink. Tagovailoa has been able to stay healthy so far in 2023, and has been the point guard of a dynamic Dolphins offense.

Some believed that Jackson may have reached the apex of his NFL development already, but the dual threat Ravens quarterback has shown that he can beat defenses in many ways. Baltimore has surrounded him with enhanced talent on the outside, and Jackson has taken full advantage. This is in addition to the burst he brings on the ground with his legs.

It seems impossible for defenses to take Hill out of the game right now, even though they know exactly what’s coming. His unmatchable speed opens up Miami’s offense in ways that are difficult to stop. Hill also has a chance to set the NFL’s single season record for receiving yards, which would make him more appealing as an MVP choice.

NFL MVP voters don’t love going back to a previous winner of the award if they don’t have to, but it’s tough to ignore what Mahomes continues to do. Even with a receiving corps that seems to get less impressive each season, the superstar quarterback finds ways to get his playmakers the football with special arm talent and elusiveness in the pocket.

There might be a joke or two made about Hurts being tush pushed all the way to league MVP, but Eagles fans won’t be laughing if their signal caller gets the nod. There’s something to be said for recognizing the player identified with the most unstoppable play in recent memory. Hurts has also taken the next step as a passer, which has been exciting for Philadelphia fans to see.