Early NFL MVP Rankings: Russell Wilson, Josh Allen lead way in 2020

The NFL MVP race is extremely tight through the first four weeks of 2020.

We’re only four games into the 2020 NFL season but certain players are already starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. To be considered an NFL MVP candidate, the player has to be on a winning team and is likely a quarterback.

Besides, the only non-quarterback to win the award in the last 13 years was the great Adrian Peterson in 2012. And I doubt he — or any running back — will buck the trend of quarterbacks. Because as of now, a passer looks like the heavy favorite to win MVP again. Although, there could be a new face hoisting the award this year.

With that, let’s delve into early NFL MVP rankings to see where the race stands at the quarter mark of the 2020 season. (Note: All stats via Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.)

NFL MVP Honorable Mention: Kyler Murray

2020 Stats: 919 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5 interceptions; 265 rushing yards

The Kyler Murray hype train has taken a detour after the Cardinals dropped their last two games. The passing stats aren’t the best either, though four games shouldn’t be a death sentence. Murray has still flashed stardom at multiple times this season. I wouldn’t be shocked if Murray ends up running away with this award — literally.

5. Tom Brady

2020 Stats: 1,122 yards, 11 touchdowns, 4 interceptions; 6 rushing yards

Let’s make this clear: Brady is not the Brady of old. But as long as Tampa Bay keeps winning and Brady keeps slinging, he’ll deserve some consideration here. I was tempted to include Lamar Jackson over Brady but Brady gets the slight nod here, though Baltimore was my pick to win the AFC.

The veteran passer has transformed the Bucs in his short time there, and although he doesn’t have the rushing prowess like Lamar Jackson (or even Ryan Fitzpatrick, for that matter) Brady’s impact shouldn’t be ignored.

4. Aaron Rodgers

2020 Stats: 1,214 yards, 13 touchdowns, 0 interceptions; 31 rushing yards

Where are the Aaron Rodgers doubters, now? The selections of Jordan Love and A.J. Dillon signaled mass hysteria in Green Bay and the football world; people assumed the Packers were planning for a future without Rodgers.

Well, if this season is any indication, Rodgers isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Aside from the stats above, Rodgers just looks like the player who’s looking for his third MVP award.

3. Patrick Mahomes

2020 Stats: 1,134 yards, 11 touchdowns, 0 interceptions; 108 rushing yards

There hasn’t been a back-to-back MVP since Peyton Manning in 2008 and 2009 and it’s only happened three times in NFL history — and Patrick Mahomes saw why it’s so difficult to repeat last year. Don’t count him out from possibly winning his second in three seasons, however. He has been wheeling and dealing, all while leading the Chiefs to a 4-0 record so far. Indeed, all is well for Kansas City.

2. Josh Allen

2020 Stats: 1,326 yards, 12 touchdowns, 1 interception; 83 rushing yards 

At this rate, Josh Allen is more 1B than No. 2. In his third year, Allen’s command of Buffalo’s offense is drastically better. Actually, he is the offense. The undefeated Bills may be nothing without Allen; he even leads the team in rushing touchdowns (3).

Head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll have done a phenomenal job building the offense around Allen. Even though he’ll still toss an errant pass or two, Allen’s start to the season has been nothing short of MVP-caliber.

1. Russell Wilson

2020 Stats: 1,285 yards, 16 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 95 rushing yards

Russell Wilson is the early leader in the clubhouse and it’s not hard to see why with his stats. The “Let Russ Cook” campaign has taken off, as Wilson’s averaged 34.25 passes per game. He just looks so comfortable in the backfield and it’s paid off.

The Seahawks are 4-0 for the first time since 2013. And Seattle won the Super Bowl that year. If Wilson keeps this up, he’ll definitely earn more than just his first MVP vote ever.