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NFL Week 5: Top 10 early MVP candidates after four games

By Joe Kipp

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws on the run for a touchdown while Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers is in pursuit during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws on the run for a touchdown while Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers is in pursuit during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Chargers
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

10. Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers

Perhaps one of the most underrated quarterbacks of the past decade is Philip Rivers. Although the Chargers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2013-14 season, it seems 2018 might be the year for them to make some noise.

Rivers is surrounded by a stellar supporting cast, led by Melvin Gordon and a bevy of talented receivers. His best pass catcher, Keenan Allen, might be the best route runner in the game today. Because of all that, Rivers has already thrown for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, with just two interceptions. He also has an impressive 68.0-percent completion rate and 110.8 passer rating.

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On the other side of the ball, the defense remains a small work in progress. Rookie breakout Derwin James has been most impressive, but Rivers may need more from his defense if he’s to garner enough wins to gain enough recognition for MVP.

9. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Drew Brees in the MVP conversation. He’s enjoying a fantastic start to his 2018 campaign, headlined by an astounding 75.8 completion percentage. If he keeps his current pace, that mark would shatter the current single-season completion percentage record (72.0), which currently belongs to…Drew Brees.

To go along with his mind-boggling completion rate, Brees has 1,295 yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions, and a 115.3 passer rating on the young season. Standout receiver Michael Thomas has been a godsend for Brees, with Alvin Kamara also providing a dynamic threat out of the backfield. Surprisingly, Brees has never won an MVP award. Could this season be his first?

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