NFL MVP Watch: Todd Gurley rushes into the race
This is getting depressing.
The 2017 NFL season will be remembered for all the major injuries to stars. The hits refuse to stop coming, and the NFL MVP race continues to be jolted by the unrelenting injury epidemic. For the second straight December week, the MVP race has been altered by an injury.
Such a bummer.
In Week 14, it was Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz who was injured. Wentz suffered a torn ACL. The Eagles must now try to win their first Super Bowl in team history without Wentz and hope he is healed in time to play in Week 1 of 2018.
Then, this week, in the biggest game of the NFL season, Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown — who made himself a legitimate MVP threat after a torrid four-game stretch — suffered a calf injury. The Pittsburgh Steelers hope he is ready for the playoffs, but his run at the MVP is probably complete (the award is based off regular-season play only).
As we limp to the finish line, let’s take a look at our injury-fueled MVP race as we had to Week 16 with a new leader in the mix:
The favorite
Tom Brady: With the two other top MVP favorites now hurt, Brady better be careful the way this season is going. He has been a favorite for this award since we started it several weeks ago. The Patriots won a big game at Pittsburgh on Sunday and are in control of the AFC playoff race. Brady’s MVP candidacy did not suffer in the process.
Who joined the leaderboard?
Todd Gurley: The Los Angeles Rams’ amazing resurgence continued as they shellacked the Seahawks in Seattle. Gurley was spectacular in the Rams’ 42-7 win. He ran for 152 yards and added 28 yards receiving. Oh, and he had four touchdowns. The 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year struggled last season, but he has come alive under first-year Rams’ coach Sean McVay. Gurley, who has 1,187 yards rushing, is now Brady’s chief competition who is currently healthy.
Injured, but hopeful
Carson Wentz: Wentz is still a candidate to win the award. He led the Eagles to an 11-2 record. Had he stayed healthy, he would have had a big chance. That chance has lowered, but there’s still a chance.
Antonio Brown: This is sad. He had a real chance to become the first receiver ever to win the NFL MVP Award. That fact that he will miss two games probably dampens his chances severely. Too bad. He’s a baller.
Keep an eye on
Drew Brees: Brees’s New Orleans Saints are major players the NFC playoff mix, and he is still a big reason why. Brees has completed 71.8 percent of his passes this season. That not only leads the NFL, but it is on pace to be a new NFL record. Last season, Minnesota’s Sam Bradford completed 71.6 of his passes.
Who is out
Russell Wilson: Wilson is a special, underrated player. However, the Seahawks are falling apart. So, has his MVP run.
Philip Rivers: Rivers and the Chargers were awful in a crucial Week 15 loss at Kansas City that put the Chiefs in control of the division. The Chargers can still make the playoffs if Rivers resumes his big season, but any Rivers MVP talk is over.
Key development to watch in Week 15
Gurley can put pressure on Brady if he has a big game at Tennessee and helps the Rams clinch the NFC West title, which seemed unlikely three months ago. If Gurley duplicates what he did in Seattle, he has a chance.
Current pick
The Wentz and Brown injuries have dampened this race, but Brady is still very deserving. He’s the leader in the clubhouse.
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