Stats show why Colts RB Jonathan Taylor should be MVP front-runner

The Indianapolis Colts are the top seed in the AFC, boasting a 6-1 record. Had it not been for some mistakes in their 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 28, they could still be the lone undefeated team in the NFL. A lot of that has to do with how good the offense has been.

Indianapolis has scored 29 or more points in all of its wins. In its only loss, it still scored 20. While quarterback Daniel Jones has been getting a lot of attention for his revival, running back Jonathan Taylor has been the Colts' best player.

Taylor is fully healthy and has been a wrecking ball for the Colts. So far, he has 697 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns to go along with 23 catches for 185 yards and a touchdown. He should be the NFL MVP frontrunner.

Why Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor should be the MVP front-runner

The Colts are built to run the ball and use that as the foundation of the offense behind a strong offensive line. Taylor's stats are the best of any running back in the league by far.

Other than leading the NFL in rushing, Taylor also leads the league in yards per game (99.6) and first downs gained (37) and is tied for first in 20-plus yard runs (5) and 40+ yard runs (2), according to NFL.com. He's by far the most valuable running back in the league. 

Traditionally, the MVP award has gone to the quarterback on the best team. In the last 20 years, just three running backs have won the MVP award. Shaun Alexander won it in 2005, LaDanian Tomlinson grabbed it in 2006 and Adrian Peterson won it in 2012.

Taylor is the best offensive player on the best team in the league through the first seven games of the season. There is no dominant quarterback this season, either. Only Baker Mayfield has an argument to be listed over Taylor in the MVP conversation at this point.

As long as Taylor stays healthy, the Colts should continue to win games. He is the straw that stirs the most efficient offense in the league.