5) Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
It is a testament to Wilson’s ability that, in a season in which Seattle’s formerly elite defense was riddled by injury and occasional underperformance, he kept them in the playoff race longer than they really had any right to be. This is the second year in his career he’s hit the 30 touchdown threshold, and he’s been back to running the ball more than he did in 2016. Wilson couldn’t really afford the bad game against the Los Angeles Rams, but he still had a great season and will get some lower-end consideration.
4) Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles
It’s a real shame for Wentz that he tore his ACL, not just on a personal level, but for the injury’s other effects. Obviously, Philadelphia was a legitimate Super Bowl contender with him, and they lose a lot with Nick Foles under center instead. Moreover, Wentz probably had the best shot at winning MVP of anyone not named Tom Brady. His 33 touchdowns led the league and set a franchise record; he’d only thrown seven interceptions; and 4,000 yards was within the realm of possibility. Here’s hoping he comes back just as strong in 2018.
3) Todd Gurley, RB, Rams
Gurley’s four touchdown show against the Seattle Seahawks catapults him into consideration for the award, especially if he can finish strong. His 1,187 rushing yards aren’t far off the league lead, he’s a real threat in the passing game, and no one has more than his 17 total touchdowns so far this season. Ultimately, as effective and productive as he’s been, he’s not really having the sort of “wow” season that you expect from an MVP running back (he went six straight games with 100 rushing yards). He’ll have his backers, but even with a big finish, he probably doesn’t win.
2) Drew Brees, QB, Saints
This isn’t even going to come particularly close to being Brees’ finest season statistically, but if voters look to reward someone for New Orleans’ quick turnaround into a Super Bowl contender again, it will probably be the quarterback. It helps that, somehow, Brees has never even won one before. He’s been efficient and effective, with 21 touchdowns to seven interceptions, and another 4,000-yard season right around the corner provided he stays healthy and doesn’t completely tank the last two games. His 71.8 percent completion percentage not only leads the NFL, but it’s also the best mark of Brees’ career.
1) Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
Barring some unforeseen late-season disaster, it doesn’t look like anyone in the field is going to be able to catch Brady, who somehow hasn’t won this award in seven years. He wins on pretty much every category — he stayed healthy and looks set to appear in all 16 games. He leads the league in passing yards with 4,163. He’s thrown 28 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. His team looks like a Super Bowl favorite again. Oh, and he’s 40. It’s a remarkable season that will likely see the future Hall-of-Famer rewarded with hardware for the third time in his illustrious career.
