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5 dark-horse NFL MVP candidates for the 2022 season

By Michael Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 26: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 26: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images /
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There are the usual suspects among 2022 NFL MVP favorites, but there are also some dark-horse MVP candidates who deserve some love.

Winning the NFL MVP award is tough for anyone who doesn’t have a big name, cache, and the favor of the media. However, if a player plays good enough, exceptional enough, he can hear his name called at NFL Honors.

Everyone has their early favorites to win the 2022 NFL MVP award after Aaron Rodgers won it two years in a row. Of course, the quarterback position leads the way once again this season.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen sits atop of most lists, followed by Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes. Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Joe Burrow typically round out the Top 5.

It makes sense for the big-name stars to be included in the discussion. However, there are a few other players who will undoubtedly hear their names mentioned in the MVP conversation at some point in the 2022 NFL season.

This list has the top five guys we should keep our eye on.

NFL MVP 2022
ASHBURN, VA – JUNE 08: Carson Wentz #11 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill as offensive coordinator Scott Turner looks on during the organized team activity at INOVA Sports Performance Center on June 8, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

NFL MVP candidate no. 5: Carson Wentz, QB, Washington Commanders

How crazy would it be for Carson Wentz, the quarterback the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t want wins the MVP? Wentz has an elite skill-set, and he comes to a team in a winnable division. With the Colts, Wentz put up some good numbers.

He tossed 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. There’s no doubt the former first-round pick is under a ton of pressure, but he has the talent around him to make life easy.

The offense starts with Terry McLaurin, who is one of the most underrated great young receivers in the NFL. The deep-threat wideout can get 1,000 yards in his sleep and hasn’t had a quarterback with Wentz’s arm throwing him the ball.

Together, they can do damage to the NFC East defenses. Add rookie Jahan Dobson with Curtis Samuel, and Wentz has the best receiving core of his career.

Antonio Gibson is another tool at Wentz’s disposal. He’s a dual-threat back who will take the pressure off Wentz and open up the offense. They’ll do damage in the RPO game, allowing Wentz to use his athleticism to keep defenses honest.

Albeit, Wentz hasn’t been the running type, but he’s on his last leg. Wentz has a chance to rewrite his NFL legacy as a Washington Commander.

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