NFL Notebook Week 9: MVP race, playoff picture, awards and more
By Zach Cohen
The MVP Race Starts Now
I was very tempted to discuss how Lamar Jackson can be the MVP after Sunday night’s 37-20 primetime victory over the Patriots, but who needs more Jackson praise from me? (If you do, keep reading and you’ll get a little more.)
Instead, I’m looking at how each top MVP candidate can win the award.
For Russell Wilson to Win…
He’ll need to beat San Fransisco twice. Aside from a victory over the Rams, the Seahawks have yet to beat a team with a winning record. They finally get a chance to do it with their next matchup. Honestly, Wilson’s my choice to win if the season ended today, partly because he’s thrown one pick while leading the NFL in touchdowns.
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For Aaron Rodgers to Win…
He’ll need to throw for more than 200 yards in a game. It’s rather obvious, but tossing only 161 yards in a 26-11 loss is unacceptable for a player of Rodgers’ caliber. He might be the best quarterback in football and, as long as Rodgers plays a big part in Green Bay’s victories, this award will likely be his to lose.
For Deshaun Watson to Win…
The Texans need to win their next three games. Watson has been nothing short of spectacular this season; it seems like each week he whips up some new magic on opposing defenses. Unfortunately, the next three games after Houston’s bye entail a trip to Baltimore and home games against Indianapolis and New England.
For Lamar Jackson to Win…
He’ll need to put up more stats through the air. Jackson is on pace for 1,353 rushing yards, which would set a new record for quarterbacks by almost 300 yards. However, he isn’t among the top passers, though he certainly hasn’t been bad, either.
For Patrick Mahomes to Win…
He’ll need to pick up for those games he missed. It’s hard to win the MVP if you miss games in that season. While he’s only missed two games (and will likely be back this week), Mahomes has fallen behind Wilson, Rodgers and Watson in passing.
For Christian McCaffrey to Win…
The Panthers will have to win out. McCaffrey will also have to break Chris Johnson’s record for most yards from scrimmage. Like with Jackson, I’ve never shied away from McCaffrey’s greatness in this weekly notebook, but the odds will always be stacked against a non-quarterback winning the award.