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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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NFL MVP 2022
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NFL MVP candidate no. 4: Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns

Despite being one of the best running backs in the NFL, Nick Chubb is slept on. Part of that is the arrival of Deshaun Watson. The former All-Pro quarterback deserves the hype, but keep an eye on Chubb.

The former Georgia Bulldogs running back rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons. Last season he played 14 games, yet he managed 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns.

Watson will help open up holes for Chubb, who has shown the ability to break big runs. If Watson doesn’t play, Chubb should dominate as a bell-cow with 20+ touches per game and could run the Browns into the playoffs.

NFL MVP candidate no. 3: Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are loaded offensively. Early rumors had the Vikings trading away Adam Thielen, but new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah proved wise by not trading away the former two-time Pro Bowl.

Cousins consistently has good seasons. The three times Pro Bowler had back-to-back seasons where he’s thrown for 33 or more touchdowns. He did so with an old-school defensive-minded head coach.

Adofo-Mensah hired former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell as his head coach. Fans expect a high-octane offense that uses Jefferson in a Cooper Kupp-like role.

A role where he runs a lot of choice routes, giving Cousins easy completions. There’s also Dalvin Cook, one of the best running backs in the league.

He’ll continue to be the focal point of defenses, making Cousins’ job easy. Expect Cousins to put up MVP-like numbers.

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