MIAMI GARDENS, FL – AUGUST 17: A detail shot of an NFL shield logo painted on the field prior to an NFL preseason football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Here are the top 5 NFL MVP candidates heading into week 16!
5. Joe Burrow, Bengals
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium on September 30, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
If the Bengals had the record of either Buffalo or Kansas City, Burrow might be a shoo-in. He’s thrown for almost 4000 yards and has 36 TDs with three weeks to go, putting 5000 passing yards and 45 TDs within reach.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 28: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Wasn’t it just a few months ago when Chase was holding out and looking for a new contract? He’s been playing like he’s deserving of being one of the top two paid at the position. He has 1413 receiving yards and 15 TDs after Week 15. There’s an outside chance he gets to 20 TDs if all goes right.
3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Jackson seems to play better as the weather gets colder. His five TD passes against the Giants was his best passing game of the season. His 743 rushing yards puts him on a possible pace to get 1000 yards by season’s end.
2. Saquon Barkley, Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Although Barkley struggled somewhat against the Steelers, he still has 1688 rushing yards and 11 TDs. While he likely won’t break Eric Dickerson’s rushing record, 2000 yards is a definite possibility.
1. Josh Allen, Bills
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Talk about getting hot at the right time. Allen has pulled away from the pack, throwing for 5 TDs and rushing for 5 TDs over the past two games. If the Bills win out, they will get the BYE, and Allen will get the MVP trophy.
