The 2023 NFL season has been nothing short of thrilling, with unexpected twists and turns at every corner. As we approach the culmination of the regular season, the race for the most valuable player (MVP) is heating up. The recent dominant performance by Lamar Jackson has sent shockwaves through the league. In this exclusive MVP power rankings update, we'll delve into the top contenders and the compelling case for each player's candidacy. We shed light on why Jackson's stellar showing has propelled him ahead of the pack.
The 2023 NFL season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with standout performances and unforeseen upsets keeping fans on the edge of their seats. As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, the MVP race has reached a fever pitch, with several players vying for the prestigious award. Aside from Lamar Jackson, guys like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, and Dak Prescott have emerged as interesting front-runners. Each makes a compelling case for his own MVP credentials.
Here we will look at why Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has risen past Brock Purdy at the top of our 2023 NFL MVP Power Rankings.
1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
In our latest assessment of the 2023 NFL MVP race, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens has made a significant leap. In our minds, he has clearly overtaken Brock Purdy at the summit. The catalyst for this change was Jackson's dazzling performance in the recent Week 16 clash against the 49ers. His performance has thrust him to the forefront of the MVP conversation.
This season, Jackson has showcased a refined version of his game under the guidance of offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Despite facing challenges like the loss of key players due to injuries, including top running back JK Dobbins and tight end Mark Andrews, Jackson has propelled the Ravens to an impressive 11-3 record. They have secured the AFC's No. 1 seed, one game ahead of the Miami Dolphins.
The Ravens' offensive prowess is hinged completely on Jackson. Throughout 15 games, he has tallied more than 3,300 passing yards and close to 790 rushing yards. He has 24 total touchdowns against just seven interceptions. His current 97.2 passer rating is his highest since 2020.
2. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
On the flip side, Monday night's faceoff likely had a significant impact on a considerable number of MVP voters. It was an evening Brock Purdy might prefer to erase from memory.
Jackson showcased a formidable performance, accounting for 297 yards and two touchdowns in a relatively comfortable 33-19 victory for Baltimore. On the other end, Purdy endured a career-low moment. He threw four interceptions and left the game early with a stinger. While Purdy remains a prominent contender, his MVP resume took a hit at a particularly inconvenient juncture.
Despite Purdy's team boasting the NFC's best record at 11-3, his performance in this crucial game may have tarnished his candidacy. He still leads the NFL in several key categories: TD passes (29), TD percentage (7.6), yards per attempt (9.9), adjusted yards per attempt (10.6), yards per completion (14.2), and passer rating (119.0). Still, this loss against Jackson pulls him off the top spot.
3. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is the dynamic running back for the 49ers. He has been a revelation this season, showcasing exceptional versatility and impact on the field. His outstanding performances position him as a solid contender for the MVP title, contributing significantly to the 49ers' success.
4. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins leads the league in receiving yards and yards per game. He surely remains a crucial asset to his team. Despite missing a game due to an ankle injury, Hill's impact on the Dolphins' offense is evident. Take note that QB Tua Tagovailoa has experienced a noticeable dip in performance when Hill is off the field.
5. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
At the start of the week, Dak Prescott had pretty good odds for the MVP. In some rankings, he trailed only Purdy and Jackson. However, that aspiration is rapidly losing its luster. After a heart-wrenching 22-20 defeat to the Dolphins, Prescott's MVP odds have plummeted. Despite his commendable performance, the loss essentially extinguishes the Dallas Cowboys' chances of winning the NFC East.
Not since 2012, with Adrian Peterson, has a player from a non-division champion claimed the MVP title. In this millennium, only three others (Peyton Manning, Steve McNair, and Marshall Faulk) have achieved the same feat. Prescott remains in the MVP race, given that Dallas still has a mathematical chance to catch the Eagles. The Week 17 faceoff against the Detroit Lions could potentially enhance or sink his MVP candidacy. For sure, Dak's room for error has disappeared.
Looking Ahead
In a season filled with remarkable performances and unforeseen developments, the race for the 2023 NFL MVP award has reached unprecedented levels of excitement. As the top contenders jostle for position, each player's unique contributions and impact on their respective teams have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the MVP race. With the regular season drawing to a close, the coming weeks are sure to provide a captivating finale to what has been a truly unforgettable MVP race.
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