MVP CASES

By : Mike Rifkin

As the NFL season dwindles, people will keep debating awards, specifically the MVP. The league last had a non-quarterback win the award in 2012 when Adrian Peterson won the award; only five times since 2000 has a non-quarterback won the award, and all of them were running backs. I know people are debating Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts for the award, but I will give you two other guys who should be in the conversation. 

Let’s start with Mahomes, who has a guy on his team who should be in the conversation. The Chiefs’ offense is first in yards per game and has the top-ranked passing offense, and Mahomes leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns. But how would those numbers change if Travis Kelce wasn’t a Chief? Kelce is currently fourth in receptions, seventh in receiving yards, and tied for first with 12 touchdowns. Even with Tyreek Hill gone, Kelce has played great. 

Last season Cooper Kupp won the receiving Triple Crown leading in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns; because of that and the season the Rams had, he was definitely in the MVP conversation. Justin Jefferson is leading in receptions and receiving yards this year and is tied for fifth in touchdowns. Jefferson can break Calvin Johnson’s single-season yards record and Michael Thomas’s single-season receptions record. 

Defenses know both guys will get the ball and can’t stop it. I understand there is the Offensive Player of the year award, which one of these guys will surely win, but they deserve to be mentioned in the MVP conversation. At some point, a non-quarterback will win MVP. Why not have it be this season?