NFL MVP Watch: Tom Brady, Rookie Lead Week 1 Edition

Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback

(14) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

9. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

No player is under more pressure in 2015 than Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. He’s made four consecutive postseason appearances, but The Red Rocket is 0-4 in the playoffs.

All Dalton did to open 2015 was have one of the most efficient opening weekends of any NFL quarterback.

With a healthy arsenal of weapons, Dalton put forth one of the best performances of Week 1.

Dalton utilized the presence of tight end Tyler Eifert to absolute perfection, finding him nine times for 104 yards and two scores. A playmaking tight end is something Dalton’s never had during his NFL career, as Jermaine Gresham was more of a stationary target.

Assuming Eifert, A.J. Green and company remain healthy, Dalton should be able to lead the Bengals to another 10-win season.

Beating the Oakland Raiders isn’t the most concrete sign of greatness, but this was a balanced and impressive win by the Bengals. At the heart of it all was Dalton, who played a near perfect game under center.

Up next: a home game against fellow MVP candidate Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.