5. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers has always been at the top of the league when it comes to the great quarterback debate. As much as it pains me to say this, Rodgers has a great chance to win the MVP. After starting out relatively slow against the Bears and Vikings, he’s come into form. Rodgers has thrown 17 TDs to just two interceptions on the season while compiling over 2,700 yards passing. The most important part of his game this season was seen against the Raiders when he threw for five TDs and a 158.3 passer rating. During that game, he showed that he doesn’t need his defense to do a lot for the Packers to win the game. Rodgers can single-handedly win games this season with his elite decision making and playmaking ability which puts him at fifth on my top-5 2019 NFL MVP candidates.
4. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
I’ve always believed that Dak Prescott isn’t really as good as people think he is. Right now, I think I was wrong. Dak has come out and put on a show this season. He’s thrown for over 3,200 yards, 21 TDs, and nine interceptions with a 104.1 passer rating. When the Cowboys have needed him most, he’s shown up (with exception to the Jets game). Dak has really proven me wrong this season by performing on a big stage and has produced results of an elite quarterback. He’s led the Cowboys to a 6-4 record, and the Cowboys are top-10 in all major offensive statistics. Averaging 28.6 PPG (fourth), 444 YPG (first), and 312.7 passing YPG (first) which shows just how great Prescott has this offense moving. With an offense this powerful, this team can go far, putting Dak at fourth on my MVP candidates list.
3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
RUNNNNN CMC RUNNNNNNNNN!!!!
Man, this dude is exciting to watch. Anytime he touches the football, there’s the potential of a highlight play. He’s the definition of a workhorse running back and has carried the Panthers to their five wins this season by touching the ball an average of about 26 times per game and averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Not only does he produce on the ground, but he’s caught the ball 59 times this season for 517 yards and three TDs. He’s on pace to break the yards from scrimmage record, currently held by Chris Johnson. That means that Christian McCaffrey is on pace to have the most productive season by a running back ever, putting him in the top-3 of my 2019 NFL MVP candidates.
CAN YOU GUESS THE NEXT TWO?!?!?!
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
I’ve always thought that teams were making a mistake by passing on Jackson in the 2018 draft. I believed he was going to be the best QB to come out of that draft. Jackson looks like the second coming of Michael Vick this season, and that’s terrifying and extremely exciting at the same time. He’s proven doubters wrong.
After everybody saying that he’s “just a running back,” he has come out to throw for 2,258 yards and 19 TDs with five interceptions and 106.3 passer rating. Not only is he productive throwing the ball, but he’s run for 781 yards and six TDs as well. To put that in perspective, he’s top-10 in rushing yards this season, beating out actual starting running backs. The dude is a human highlight reel who’s carried the Ravens to an 8-2 record, beating the Patriots, and cementing the Ravens as Super Bowl contenders.
1. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson has single-handedly carried the Seahawks to their current 8-2 record. He’s done so with 2,737 passing yards, 23 TDs, and just two (!!) interceptions. Not only has he done this with little help from his offensive line, but he also beat the 49ers (who were undefeated at the time) without his offensive line’s help. Wilson beat one of 2019’s most destructive defenses without a legitimate offensive line.
What separates him from Lamar Jackson? The fact that if Russell Wilson wasn’t the Seahawks QB, they may be in the running for the first overall pick in the draft. If Lamar Jackson wasn’t on the Ravens, they still may win at least five games (partially because of their horrendous division). I’m not trying to discredit Lamar Jackson, but Russell Wilson is my top candidate for the 2019 NFL MVP because without him, his team is nothing.