Is Mahomes being 'taken for granted' in MVP discussion?

Why isn't Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes receiving much MVP hype? Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Is Patrick Mahomes being 'taken for granted' in MVP discussion?

By Blake Harper | Last updated 11/5/20

It seems impossible to argue Patrick Mahomes is underrated at this point. In his fourth season in the league, he has already won both the regular season and Super Bowl MVP and earned himself the most lucrative contract in NFL history. But ESPN's Louis Riddick says that the Chiefs quarterback is being overlooked when it comes to this year's MVP race.

"He's so taken for granted right now, as far as his excellence..." Riddick said on "Get Up." "If Russell Wilson, right now, is at the top of the league as far as MVP candidates are concerned, then Patrick Mahomes is standing right next to him."

Are we overlooking Patrick Mahomes for MVP? @LRiddickESPN thinks so. pic.twitter.com/6k2Jvw6NXV
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 5, 2020

Wilson has unquestionably taken the lead in the MVP race through eight weeks, having already thrown 26 touchdowns while leading the Seahawks to a 6-1 record. But Riddick may have a point about taking Mahomes for granted. The 25-year-old may have only thrown 21 touchdowns, but he has thrown only one interception and has the 7-1 Chiefs well on their way to another high playoff seed.

The toughest barrier Mahomes might be facing is narrative. After all, he already won MVP his first season as a starter, when he threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Wilson has never received a single MVP vote, making him a much of an interesting candidate than the guy who already won the award.

Of course, it's not just these two in the MVP race at this point. Aaron Rodgers was seen as one of the leading candidates but has struggled in the last few games. Tom Brady has earned some MVP buzz after a slow start to the season, with the Bucs winning six of their last 7 games while scoring at least 25 in all but one.

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