NFL MVP race: Top 5 candidates through Week 6
The NFL MVP race has a long way to go, but through six weeks, Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson are leading the charge.
5. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford has been tremendous his first year in the City of Angels. The Rams are 5-1 and firmly in the contending mix, largely because of the play of their quarterback. Through six games, Stafford has thrown for 1,838 yards, fourth in the NFL. He also leads the league in QBR at 74.9, and yards per attempt at 9.2. With his former team, the Detroit Lions, next on the docket, look for Stafford to have another huge game and vault up this list as we head into Halloween weekend.
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4. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brady is 44 years old and already has three NFL MVP trophies in his case next to seven Lombardis. And yet he might need to make more room. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer has thrown for 2,064 yards to pace the league, while tossing 17 touchdowns against three interceptions. This week, Brady and his Buccaneers get to tangle with the Chicago Bears, who are struggling along at an underwhelming 3-3. Don’t be surprised if Brady goes for 40 touchdowns again this year.
3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray is leading the Cardinals, who are the NFL’s only unbeaten team at 6-0. This weekend, Murray and Co. welcome in the Houston Texans, who despite having a win could be the worst team in the league. The former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 1,741 yards on 8.9 yards per attempt, the latter being second only to Stafford. With DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk and A.J. Green as main weapons, Murray has a chance to continue this success and go from star to elite status this season.
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2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson won the NFL MVP unanimously in 2019, and he might be on his way to a second trophy in three seasons. After the Ravens were destroyed by injuries in the preseason, many left Baltimore for dead. Now, the Ravens are 5-1 and Jackson ranks 11th in passing yards with 1,686 yards while averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. He’s also rushed for 392 yards and a pair of touchdowns, giving himself a chance to crack 1,000 yards on the ground for a third straight season.
1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott is going to be the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, but he might be taking home an even bigger trophy. The Cowboys are 5-1 and Prescott is fifth in passing yardage (1,813) with 16 touchdown passes against four interceptions. With an easy schedule ahead, Prescott has a chance to put up career numbers across the board, putting Dallas in a great spot to challenge in the NFC while its quarterback stays in the running for MVP.
