Because the NFL common season attracts to an in depth, gamers should not simply seeking to make the playoffs.
A number of gamers are additionally vying for the coveted MVP award. The same old (and largely deserving) names have surfaced: Buffalo Payments QB Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles operating again Saquon Barkley, Detroit QB Jared Goff, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
However one other participant, Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold, additionally deserves consideration. Per DraftKings, the seventh-year journeyman’s MVP odds are behind all of the aforementioned gamers.
Darnold does not have the identical profitable repute as the opposite candidates. However his current performances have proved that he may need what it takes to overhaul the competitors.
Listed below are three explanation why Darnold ought to be thought of for MVP:
1: Vikings could be misplaced with out him
That is the Vikings’ first yr working with Darnold at QB, however it wasn’t supposed that approach.
In March, the group signed Darnold to a one-year deal in free company. Then, within the first spherical (tenth general) of the NFL Draft in April, Minnesota chosen J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a season-ending knee harm in August. With out McCarthy, who was anticipated to ultimately be the starter this season, the Vikings have unexpectedly soared to an 11-2 document.
In its preseason energy rankings, ESPN slotted the Vikings 23rd and final within the NFC North. Now they’re difficult Detroit (12-1) for first within the division and first seed within the NFC.
“In the event that they do this [earn top seed], how is Darnold not a chief candidate for MVP?” Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and NBC Sports wrote earlier this week.
2. Darnold’s stats are higher than different MVP contenders
Darnold’s season is shaping as much as be the perfect of his profession, and his stats are higher than a number of different contenders. He is sixth in the NFL in passing yards (3,299) and third for passing touchdowns (28), and his 108.1 passer ranking is third finest amongst beginning QBs.
Per oddsmakers, Allen is the favourite for MVP and the Payments (10-3) have already clinched the AFC East. However Allen’s key stats — 23 TD passes, 3,033 passing yards and 64.1 completion share — lag behind Darnold’s.
It is no shock Mahomes is within the operating once more for MVP, an award he has gained twice. However his key stats — 3,189 yards, 20 TD passes and 68.1 completion share — additionally lag behind Darnold’s for the 12-1 Chiefs.
Goff has thrown for 3,265 yards and 25 touchdowns and has a stellar completion share (72.4), however he has 10 picks (together with 5 in a win in opposition to Houston). Darnold has 10 interceptions, too. However preseason expectations have been far increased for the Lions (ranked fourth by ESPN) than the Vikings.
Jackson can be slaying it with 3,290 passing yards, 29 TD passes and solely three interceptions, however the Ravens are 8-5. Barkley has a powerful MVP case (1,623 dashing yards), however the Eagles (11-2) are arguably extra gifted the Vikings.
3. Darnold’s current performances
Darnold’s Week 14 efficiency in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons and former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins ought to put him on the forefront of the MVP dialog. In a 42-21 win — Minnesota’s sixth straight victory — Darnold accomplished 22-of-28 passes for 347 yards and 5 TDs.
Within the recreation. Jordan Addison set a profession excessive of 133 receiving yards on eight receptions and caught three TD passes. In the meantime, Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson had seven receptions for 132 yards. Addison and Jordan turned the group’s first WR duo to have greater than 100 receiving yards and greater than two touchdowns in a recreation.
In his past five games, Darnold has accomplished 109 of 163 passes (67.3%) for 1,399 yards and 11 TDs. Clearly, Darnold, who shall be a free agent after the season, has a powerful case for MVP.
“No matter his future finally ends up being, I do know all of us on this constructing are gonna be blissful for him, regardless of the place that finally ends up being,” Minnesota offense coordinator Wes Phillips told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
