NFL MVP Candidates as of Week 16
Here is a list of Rush Nation Sports' top 3 candidates for the NFL MVP for the 2016 season.
QB - Matt Ryan
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
QBR: 81.9 (Leads NFL)
QB Rating: 114.8 (Leads NFL)
Passing Yards: 4,336 yds (3rd)
Passing TDs: 32 (T-2nd)
It is still astonishing how much Matt Ryan and the Falcons are overlooked. Ryan is currently leading the NFL in Total QBR and Quarterback Rating and has just led the Atlanta Falcons to a playoff spot. If Ryan finishes this season at 11-5, I can't really see how the committee overlooks him. He has put up amazing numbers against one of the league's toughest schedules with probably one of the worst defenses in the league. Ryan has had the Falcons averaging over 30+ points for most of the NFL Season. His consistency and efficiency is something the Atlanta Falcons can always count on game after game. Without Matt Ryan, the Falcons would easily be a 4 or 5 win team.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
QB - Dak Prescott
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
QBR: 81.4 (2nd)
QB Rating: 103.2 (3rd)
Passing Yards: 3,418 yds (17th)
Total TDs: 20 TDs w/ 6 Rush TDs (16th)
Dak Prescott has been the surprise of the season. After the Dallas Cowboys lost their starting quarterback Tony Romo during the preseason, no one expected much out of the Cowboys this season. Dak Prescott, along with star rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, has led the Dallas Cowboys to the playoffs with home field advantage. He has the second-highest QBR in the league as well as the third best QB rating in the league, trailing only Tom Brady and Matt Ryan. Even though his passing numbers are lower than other top quarterbacks in the league, it is expected when you have a running back with as many yards and touchdowns as Ezekiel Elliott. Dak Prescott's ability to not turn the ball over has contributed greatly to the success of the Cowboys this season. Dak Prescott may not win the NFL MVP, but he definitely deserves to be in the conversation.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
QB - Drew Brees
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
QBR: 71.9 (7th)
QB Rating: 103.0 (4th)
Passing Yards: 4,559 yds (1st)
Total TDs: 34 TDs (1st)
Anyone who leaves Drew Brees out of their MVP conversation is foolish. Drew Brees is on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards for the fifth time in his career. He is also leading the league in Passing TDs at 34 and is 4th in QB Rating. Despite their inept defense, Drew Brees has continued to play at an extremely high level carrying the Saints through this regular season. The one thing that hurts his claim for the title is the win-loss record of the Saints. The Saints are 3rd in the NFC south and have pretty much secured a losing season. Regardless of their record, Drew Brees has continued to show us why he is one of the best quarterbacks we have ever seen.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Notables:
QB - Tom Brady
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
QBR: 80.6 (3rd)
QB Rating: 109.7 (2nd)
Passing Yards: 3064 yards (22nd)
Total TDs: 22 TDs (12th)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RB - Ezekiel Elliott
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Rushing Yards: 1,551 yards (1st)
Rushing TDs: 13 (T-2nd)
Yards Per Game: 110.8 (1st)
Yards Per Attempt: 5.0 (T-4th)
