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

By Joe Kipp | Oct 6, 2018

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) /

3 of 6

FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

8. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Thanks in part to a favorable Thursday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Tom Brady already has a leg-up on this week’s competition. After Thursday night’s game, Brady stands at 1,259 yards, 12 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 67.6 completion percentage, and a 96.1 passer rating.

Although his stats may not be as eye-popping as his competitors’, there’s no question that Brady is the heart and soul of the Patriots offense. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone that thinks New England would be the same offense without his presence. That being said, he’s finally getting back his reliable target man in Julian Edelman, while Rob Gronkowski, James White and Josh Gordon provide game-changing ability in other realms.

7. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is in a very similar situation to Brady. Both are the unquestioned leaders of their respective teams, and both are key components to their team’s overall success. Rodgers likely would have more impressive stats than what he currently has had he not gotten injured in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, but his numbers look good nonetheless.

Throwing for 1,130 yards, Rodgers has managed seven touchdowns versus just one interception, with a 63.5-percent completion rate and 97.4 passer rating, all the while dealing with what’s been reported as a sprained MCL. To go along with that, the Packers offense has dealt with a bevy of injuries, and Rodgers may be without his top three receivers this coming weekend. Is there any question that the Packers would even be contenders without A-Rod?

Home/NFL