49ers legend Steve Young addresses Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey MVP debate

San Francisco 49ers legend and Hall of Famer Steve Young believes either quarterback Brock Purdy or running back Christian McCaffrey could establish himself as the runaway favorite to win the Most Valuable Player Award when the 11-3 Niners host the 11-3 Baltimore Ravens on Christmas night. 

"If Brock has a big game, he'll win it," Young said during an appearance on the KNBR "Tolbert and Copes" show, as shared by David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "If Christian has an even bigger game, he might win it." 

The "Purdy-versus-McCaffrey" MVP debate generates headlines seemingly on a daily basis due largely to the perception that Purdy is merely a "game manager" fortunate to play alongside superstars such as McCaffrey. According to ESPN stats, Purdy begins Week 16 leading the NFL with 29 touchdown passes, a 76.0 adjusted QBR, a 119.0 passer rating and an average of 9.9 yards per pass attempt on the season. 

Meanwhile, StatMuse shows that McCaffrey leads the league with 1,801 total offensive yards from scrimmage, 1,292 rushing yards and 20 offensive touchdowns (tied with Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert).

"...There's going to be some voters that, I think, if there's going to be a running back, it could be this year," Young said about McCaffrey possibly being the first non-quarterback to win MVP since Adrian Peterson accomplished the feat for the 2012 season. "And that's not a knock on Brock. That's just knowing that you've heard it all year long."

As of Thursday afternoon, oddschecker listed Purdy as the betting favorite at -200 odds to win MVP. McCaffrey was tied for fourth at +1200, while Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson was second at +600. 

"...If Lamar has a big game and wins, they'll give it to him," Young added. "Monday night seems like that's that kind of an event."

The Niners-Ravens showdown is shaping up to be a final Christmas present football fans can't wait to unwrap.