MVP Chase entering Week 16

 

The top 20 in the MVP Chase entering Week 16 includes five players drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. This shouldn't be surprising, because first-rounders are supposed to be really good, and by the seventh year should be in their prime.

But with this group of guys, it's surprising. The first two quarterbacks taken that year, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, are each with their fourth team. They were even together in Carolina for part of one season. Saquon Barkley, the second overall pick (after Mayfield) had some personally productive years with the Giants, but the Giants overall had just one good season during his tenure. With the Eagles, he's showing how a running back can make a good team great; Philadelphia is playing like the best team in the league.

Also in the 2018 class, Lamar Jackson has been an elite QB for a long time, and Josh Allen almost as long. Jackson has already earned two MVPs, and I've heard some in the national media say Allen has the MVP "locked up." 

Well, there are three games left. What if Allen and the Bills lose them all? And Jackson's Ravens win them all? What if Barkley sets records on the way to a 15-2 Eagles finish?

I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles hold Barkley back a bit while they plan for the playoffs (he didn't have what I call an MVP-level game this past Sunday). I also wouldn't be surprised if Allen does win the MVP. But right now, I have Allen in a virtual tie for second in the MVP Chase.

Remember, in the MVP Chase it's not your overall season stats that matter, and it's not winning that matters, it is playing very good-to-great football in victories. Six touchdowns in a loss won't help you.

Here are the current standings. 

James Leroy Wilson writes The MVP Chase (subscribe). Thank you for your subscriptions and support! You may contact James for writing, editing, research, and other work: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.