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5 Dark horse NFL MVP candidates who can shock the world

By Randy Gurzi

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 10: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 10: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL MVP
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 14: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs with the ball during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

4. Saquan Barkley, RB, New York Giants

The second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Saquon Barkley burst onto the scene with 1,307 yards rushing and 721 receiving as a rookie with 15 total touchdowns. His effectiveness dipped the following season but there was hope he could get back on track with a new coaching staff in 2020.

Joe Judge had taken over as the head coach and Jason Garrett was the offensive coordinator. Garrett especially seemed to be good for Barkley since he proved during his time with the Dallas Cowboys to be heavily committed to the run. The New York Giants also continued to work on their offensive line, adding left tackle Andrew Thomas in the draft.

Barkley wasn’t able to make good on any of this though since he suffered a torn ACL after just 19 carries in two games. He’s been working hard to get back to full health since the injury and all indications suggest he will be ready to go by Week 1.

He will also have some new teammates as the Giants added Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Kyle Rudolph, and John Ross this offseason. At first glance, a bunch of pass-catchers doesn’t seem to be what Barkley needs to take the next step, but it really is.

During his two games in 2020, Barkley faced a lot of stacked boxes due to the lack of a vertical threat on offense. Now, the Giants have three as well as a veteran tight end who is also a solid blocker. Put all that together and he could be back up over 2,000 all-purpose yards.

Should he put together such a season and if the Giants turn things around and make the playoffs, Barkley could be a player mentioned in the race for the 2021 NFL MVP Award.

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