MVP
1 Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, Quarterback (8-1)
2018-2019 stats 2601 yards, 26 Touchdowns, one interception QB rating 123.8
Brees comes in at number one this week. He and the Saints continue to roll as they demolished the Bengals 51-14. Brees posted his second game in which he had a passing rating of 150+. They have the Eagles next.
2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, Quarterback (9-1)
2018-2019 stats 3150 yards, 31 Touchdowns, seven Interceptions QB rating 117.4
It’s crazy to think that with what Mahomes has done this season, a game in which he throws for 249 yards with two touchdowns feels like kind of a dud for this kid. Numbers aside, Mahomes has all the makings of a star. He’s more than handled the starting job and has taken Kansas City to new heights. He has a big test upcoming against the Los Angeles Rams.
3. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams, Running back (9-1)
2018-2019 stats 198 attempts 988 yards (rushing) 402 yards (receiving) 17 total touchdowns
Todd Gurley’s load may see a bit of an uptick with receiver, Cooper Kupp suffering a torn ACL. A huge blow for the Rams offense and everyone will need to step up to replace Kupp who was having a stellar year. Should not be a problem for Gurley as he has been as consistent as any player in the NFL. As mentioned above, has a prime-time match up with Mahomes and the Chiefs next week.
4. Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers, Quarterback (7-2)
2018-2019 stats 2459 yards, 21 Touchdowns, four interceptions QB rating 115.4
Philip Rivers has led one of the NFL hottest teams this season, the Chargers to a 7-2 record, winning their last six games. The Chargers look all but locked to make the post season with their last appearance in 2013. It’s been great to see Rivers have some success this season. The past years have been tough for the Chargers with injuries. Despite all of the turmoil, Rivers has been steady and deserves real consideration this year as NFL MVP.
5. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans Quarterback (6-3)
2018-2019 stats 2389 yards, 17 touchdowns, seven interceptions QB rating 100.8
Somebody who hasn’t been getting enough love has to be Watson. The Houston Texans currently lead the AFC South and though not quite as productive as he was in his rookie year, Watson has put up nice numbers and it has led to wins for Houston.
Rookie of the Year
1. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants, Running back
2018-2019 stats 131 attempts 586 yards (rushing) 530 yards (receiving) seven total touchdowns
Totaling 100 or more yards in every game this season, Barkley has thrived early in the NFL. Barkley is a great prototype for the modern NFL running back. The Giants may be having a down year, but this team could be very special because of Barkley!
2. Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions, Running back
2018-2019 stats 103 attempts 554 yards (rushing) 30 catches for 203 yards (receiving) three total touchdowns
Johnson is starting to close on Barkley in terms of rushing yards and he’s garnering more attention for the impact he’s had on the Lions. He scored twice against Chicago, one rushing and one receiving and he’s solidified a Lion’s backfield who is looking for their first 1,000 yard rusher since Reggie Bush.
3. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns, Running back
2018-2019 stats 94 attempts 579 yards (rushing), six catches 48 yards (receiving) six total touchdowns
The running back position has been very good from this draft class. Chubb has come on strong since taking over as the lead back in Cleveland. He had his best game of the season against Atlanta, totaling 176 rushing with a touchdown and three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown. Much of the talk was about Mayfield earlier in the season but Chubb has let it be known that he’s a man that deserves some attention as well!
