With only four weeks left in the regular season, the NFL MVP race is starting to look like a clearer picture. Two players have emerged as frontrunners, but there are a few others that could stand a chance with insane finishes to the season.
NFL MVP Race Entering Week 15
1. Jalen Hurts
For the first time since this column debuted, there is a new leader atop this list. Jalen Hurts has played good football throughout the season, but his incredible play in the past few weeks has made him the MVP frontrunner. In Week 14’s slaughter of the New York Giants, Hurts completed 21 of his 31 passing attempts for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions while adding another 144 yards and a score on the ground. He could have easily had more if the game hadn’t gotten out of hand, as Hurts continues to play at an unstoppable level.
2. Patrick Mahomes
Week 15 was more of the same from Mahomes, as the quarterback played yet another really good game that wasn’t quite great. This was one of his more volatile performances of the season, as the former MVP had his usual magic, but also threw three interceptions. Still, at the end of the day, he did enough to drop 34 points on one of the best defenses in football, and that’s always going to be an impressive feat.
One thing about @PatrickMahomes… the play ain’t over until he says it is.#ProBowlVote | #WPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/iiMXlGw4XQ
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 11, 2022
READ MORE: Chiefs Running Back Breakdown
3. Josh Allen
Hurts and Mahomes are the only serious contenders in the NFL MVP race, but that doesn’t mean Josh Allen hasn’t had a great season in his own right. Week 14 was definitely not Allen’s most impressive day at the office, as the Bills quarterback completed 16 of his 27 passing attempts for just 147 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He did, however, add another 47 yards and a touchdown on the ground while leading his team to a victory against a tough division rival. While it might be too late for him to win MVP, Allen remains one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he should guide the Bills to a deep playoff run.
4. Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow beat the Browns! The former first-overall pick defeated his division rivals in style, completing 18 of his 33 attempts for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in route to a comfortable 23-10 victory. After a slow start, Burrow continues to prove that his 2021 season was no fluke. Much like Allen, it’s hard to see him closing the gap on Hurts and Mahomes with only four weeks left in the regular season, but he should be a regular on this list for years to come.
5. Tua Tagovailoa
Earning the final spot on this list, Tua Tagovailoa is coming off consecutive ugly performances against the 49ers and Chargers, respectively. On Sunday Night Football, Tagovailoa completed just 10 of his 28 passes for 145 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions in a 23-17 loss. Tagovailoa might not stand a realistic shot at the MVP, but he still deserves credit for making a massive leap this year. It’s safe to say the Dolphins won’t be pursuing Tom Brady this offseason.
The post NFL MVP Race: Top Five Candidates Through Week 14 appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.
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