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2023 NFL Season: 3 MVP candidates that could be a surprise

By Mohamed Salad

Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) returns to the locker room following a 27-13 victory against the New York Giants at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) returns to the locker room following a 27-13 victory against the New York Giants at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the New York Giants during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the New York Giants during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

2023 NFL Season: 3 MVP candidates that could be a surprise

Kirk Cousins

By the end of the 2022 season, a few people (particularly Michael Irvin) had Kirk Cousins as their
MVP and it wouldn’t have been too farfetched. Although Cousins didn’t have his best season
individually, when it mattered most he always seemed to get it done.

In 2022, he completed eight fourth-quarter comebacks, most ever in a single season, and tied the
most game-winning drives in a season in NFL history. Kirk Cousins has been the model of consistency throughout his career. Over the last 8 years, Cousins has passed for at least 3500 and 25 touchdowns.

The season Kirk Cousins had was not much of a surprise, for the first time in his Minnesota Vikings
career Kirk Cousins had the luxury and the freedom to be part of a pass-heavy offense that allows
him to take shots down the field and take more risks.

Also for the first time as a Viking, Cousins will have the same offensive play-caller which will give him a significant advantage this heading into next season. Continuity on offense is something the Vikings haven’t had but a second offseason with head coach Kevin O’Connell will allow the Vikings to be firing on all cylinders.

Aside from All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings have drafted Jordan Addison in the first round which will give Cousins another explosive weapon on the outside. Add a full offseason with Pro-Bowl tight end TJ Hockenson to that and you suddenly have one of the best pass-catching units in the league.

All these weapons at coach O’Connell’s disposal next year could all Kirk Cousins and the Vikings to
put up unbelievable numbers on offense. If it all clicks, there is no reason for Cousins to be among
the 2023 NFL MVP candidates at the end of the season.

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