NFL: Top 5 MVP Candidates at Mid-Season
One of the most frequent conversations during an NFL season is which players are deserving of the league’s most prestigious individual award; the Most Valuable Player Award. This year is no different, as speculation has abounded since the first week of the season as to who is in position to become the 2015 NFL MVP.Since Giants outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor won the award in 1986 after a transcendant season, the next thirty winners of the MVP have all been either quarterbacks or running backs, with 7 of the last 8 being passers. This is now a quarterback driven league, and thus that trend is reflected in this list. Without further ado, here are the front-runners as we hit the mid-way point of the season.
#6 Honourable Mentions
Rob Gronkowski – The Patriots’ All-Pro Tight End is the most impressive and unplayable offensive weapon in the NFL, and is on pace for 91 receptions, 1,476 yards and 16 touchdowns. There are two problems with Gronkowski as a legitimate MVP candidate. The first is that those numbers are comparable to 2011 when Gronkowski had 90 receptions for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he didn’t get a single vote in the MVP ballot. The second is that if Gronkowski does put up those numbers, then Tom Brady is going to have even better numbers and he’ll end up getting the award anyway. Gronk has a much better shot at the Offensive Player of the Year Award.
Todd Gurley – If it’s not a quarterback, the MVP usually goes to a running back and Todd Gurley is the best of the bunch this season. Despite being a rookie and despite coming off ACL surgery, the Rams’ back has rushed for at least 128 yards in each of his last four games. He is averaging 115 yards per game despite only recoridng 9 yards of rushing in his first game back from injury against the Steelers. That’s 25 yards per game more than the next active player, who happens to be 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. If he keeps up the pace, Gurley will rush for over 1,600 yards this season. With double digit touchdowns and a winning record for the Rams added to that resume, and Gurley could garner some serious consideration.
Devonta Freeman – The Falcons’ running back leads the NFL in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and rushing first downs. He’s also second among running backs in receptions (40) and receiving yards. Todd Gurley is hot on his heels but as things stand half way through the season Freeman is the most productive back in the NFL.
Julio Jones – The Falcons’ receiver is on pace for 140 receptions, 1,784 yards and 15 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson had two seasons like that in 2011 and 2012 but didn’t come close to the MVP title. What may work in Jones’ favour is that 140 receptions would be the second most all time in a single season, behind Marvin Harrison’s 143 in 2002. If he could break Harrison’s record, he would have more of a chance.
J.J Watt – Last year, J.J Watt got 13 MVP votes but lost to Aaron Rodgers. This year, the Texans’ defensive end has garnered far less attention. However, Watt’s 8.5 sacks are 1 better than the 7 he had recorded by the same time last year. The difference this season is that he hasn’t played any offence and he doesn’t have an 80 yard pick six. Six of Houston’s next 8 opponents for the remainder of the year rank in the bottom half of the NFL in sacks allowed. If Watt can get hot and repeat what he did down the stretch last season, and if Houston can win the AFC South, Watt will start to garner some attention once again.