With the start of the 2021 NFL season right around the corner, there's bound to be some new faces entering next season's MVP race. With a ton of players set to bounce back from major injuries, there will undoubtedly be a deeper MVP race during the 2021 NFL season. Be it new faces or old, the battle for NFL MVP is always an exciting competition.
Especially with so many superstars expected to be back at full strength this upcoming season. Now that so many changes have taken place across the league, there's bound to be a few superstars having breakout seasons in 2021. Having said all of this, let's checkout three dark horse MVP candidates for the 2021 NFL season, ranked.
NFL MVP darkhorses:
3. Jameis Winston
Looking to win the Saints quarterback competition against Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston has had a strong showing during the 2021 NFL preseason. With his latest performance, Winston is stating his case as the next Saints quarterback who will be able to take the mantle from Drew Brees. If Winston can keep this level of productivity and continue to put up big numbers throughout the season, then he very well could find himself in the MVP race next season.
It wasn't that long ago that Winston had a 5,000 yard season where he threw for over 30 touchdowns, and yes he did throw almost as many interceptions, but playing under head coach Sean Payton will make him a more efficient passer and help him to develop a better overall feel for the game. Jameis Winston is on course to prove all the haters wrong and resurrect his career with a new and improved game in New Orleans, and given how much progress he's already made, it may not be long before he's a finalist in the MVP race.
2. Christian McCaffrey
Coming off an injury-plagued season in 2020, Christian McCaffrey will look to bounce back in 2021 and remind the league that he's still a Pro Bowl caliber running back not to be overlooked, maybe to the point of becoming the MVP. When fully healthy, McCaffrey is widely considered the best dual threat running back in the game. This is something that he's put on display many times prior to the 2020 NFL season, where he was forced to miss the majority of the games with a high ankle sprain and constant thigh and shoulder injuries.
After a full offseason of rest and recovery, the Panthers will look to have McCaffrey back in full form and ready for another record setting season. With all this in mind, it can definitely be expected that Christian McCaffrey will put up some big numbers this season and find himself in the NFL MVP race in 2021.
1. Myles Garrett
After playing a key part in the Browns' surprise playoff run last season, Myles Garrett will look to build off of that success heading into next season and make an MVP statement. As the leader of an elite defensive front in Cleveland, Garrett will be coming into the 2021 NFL season motivated to lead his to team to the Super Bowl. So don't be surprised if he winds up leading the league in sacks and/or forced fumbles throughout the 2021 season.
Given how he has been a major factor in transforming the Browns into one of the NFL's most powerful defensive units, there's a strong possibility that Garrett could be in the running for NFL MVP in 2021. Especially considering that the Browns have grown into a top-10 defensive team within the past couple of years.
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