6. Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
As quickly as New England Patriots QB Drake Maye found himself in a slump to begin the season, he got out of it. Maye still does have seven interceptions through six games, but he's tossed 10 touchdown passes against just one interception the past three games and is clearly digging himself out of this hole.
Maye finished second the MVP voting last year to Matthew Stafford, who hasn't been nearly as good. The Patriots are also now 4-2 on the season and right in the mix with the other top AFC juggernauts. I guess we really shouldn't be surprised to see Maye playing this well, as it is hard for an MVP-caliber season to end up being a total fluke.
This middle-of-the-season stretch is going to be huge for Maye, as he still could have something left to prove, as the Patriots schedule is a good bit harder this year than it was last year, but with the way the third-year signal-caller has played lately, he's putting himself back on the map for the MVP.
5. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Statisticlaly speaking, Patrick Mahomes hasn't necessarily lit things up, but it's also not going to be a shock to see his name close to the MVP award this year. Mahomes now has nine touchdown passes this year and a 103.1 passer rating. He threw multiple touchdown passes the first four games this year, and the 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs are the lone unbeaten team in the conference.
Yes, the schedule has not been all that tough this year, but if there is any player who has earned the benefit of the doubt here, it's Mahomes. A couple of prolific performances here and there will be plenty for the league to thrust him in the heart of the MVP race this year.
He's No. 5 in our power rankings.
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