NFL Notebook, Week 6: Cam Newton’s future, fun 49ers, awards and more

One Last Thing

While it has been only six games (five for some), I mentioned earlier that Russell Wilson is the NFL MVP frontrunner. Like I say every week in this section (I literally have, here’s proof), anything can happen as the season ticks away. If it were to end today, these are who I would have at the top of my MVP choices:

1. Russell Wilson – He has the best touchdown/interception ratio with 14 and zero, respectively. His team has lost one game, yet he still threw for 406 yards and two touchdowns in it. He has three rushing touchdowns. He has the second-best completion percentage. I don’t need to list more stats to say that Wilson has been playing lights out.

2. Patrick Mahomes – There is no one like the reigning MVP, and while his Chiefs are on a two-game slide, it hasn’t all been on Mahomes. Nonetheless, the big-armed, mobile superstar threw his first pick in Sunday’s nail-biter while also bringing his touchdown total to 14. Yeah, Mahomes is still good.

3. Aaron Rodgers – His stats might not be as impressive as Wilson or Mahomes, but Green Bay would not be 5-1 without Rodgers’ patented late-game heroics (and some questionable calls). He has only thrown one pick, all while playing with a thin receiving core. As long as the Packers keep rolling, Rodgers will continue to be a rightful MVP candidate.

4. Deshaun Watson – It’s sad that it took a fantastic game against Kansas City to put Watson on MVP Watch. Unfortunately, that’s the reality we live in. Watson did not look human in his spectacular all-around display in Sunday’s win at Kansas City. His position-leading five rushing touchdowns this season add to his twelve scores through the air. Watson is the main reason Houston leads the AFC South.

5. Christian McCaffrey – Hear me out: McCaffrey is on pace to do things that no one else has ever done. I highlighted his eye-popping stats and plays last week, and while only four running backs have won the award since the turn of the century, McCaffrey has been too incredible to not be considered.

6. Tom Brady – No list would be complete without Brady on it, especially since the Patriots are undefeated. Unfortunately, MVP can’t be given to an entire defense, so I’ll just slot Brady here for now.