The Early Top Five Candidates For NFL MVP

*Left: Roto Street Journal, Right: Cooper Neill/Getty Images*

Five weeks into the season, few teams are seeing a lot of success, largely due to the playmakers they have. Here’s a look into some early candidates for 2022 NFL MVP Honors.

Player’s team’s W-L record listed after stats

5) Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

6 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble; 4-1

Despite the unavailability of quarterback Dak Prescott since week one, the Dallas Cowboys surprisingly find themselves at 4-1 after five games. Dallas’ defense is continuing the impressive play from last season, especially behind the team’s young star, linebacker Micah Parsons. Even against the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams, Parsons was able to make his presence known with two sacks on Matthew Stafford. Dallas’ defense has established itself as a problem that few offenses are adjusting to during games, led behind their best player right now.

4) Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

4 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions, 1,359 Passing Yards; 5-0

Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts made big headlines following week 5’s 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Hurts’ 19 rushing touchdowns are the most ever by a quarterback in his first 25 starts, surpassing Cam Newton’s 18. The Philadelphia Eagles are the only undefeated team in the NFL, and the addition of new weapons has allowed Hurts to drastically elevate his play, silencing many doubters. Like former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, Hurts is able to stretch the field and effectively make plays with his legs and his arm. Even though he only has four passing touchdowns this season, he already has six rushing touchdowns. The numbers each week continue to be impressive, making Hurts one of the top early picks for the award.

3) Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

14 Touchdowns, 4 Interceptions, 1,651 Passing Yards; 4-1

Since not being able to touch the ball in overtime during last season’s 42-38 playoff loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have been on a tear. The Bills started the season by making a statement after a dominant performance against the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams in a 31-10 blowout to spoil LA’s home opener. Allen’s dominance has also shown in two other blowouts and a road comeback against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. His impressive numbers also make him the league’s leader in passing yards five weeks in. Despite losing several defensive stars to injury, Buffalo is able to present itself as a top team due to the play and leadership of Josh Allen.

2) Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

15 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions, 1,398 Passing Yards; 4-1

Despite losing star wideout Tyreek Hill via trade to the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have been off to a terrific start, especially on offense. Mahomes leads the league in touchdowns and has only thrown two picks, setting up an impressive 15:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Against the same Todd Bowles defense in Tampa Bay that blew the Chiefs out in Super Bowl 55, Mahomes and company were able to put up 41 points on a defense that was playing lights out in all the previous games. Last night on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders, like many times in his career, Mahomes led a Kansas City comeback in a four-touchdown performance. Because of the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, NFL teams find themselves in a familiar position: not having much of an answer for the Chiefs’ offense.

1) Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

12 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions, 1,067 Passing Yards; 3-2

Even with a not-as-dominant roster, Lamar Jackson’s passing yard numbers and completion percentage are both better than those during the first five games of his 2019 Unanimous NFL MVP season. Jackson entered the season with eyes on him after a highly-anticipated contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens was not reached this offseason. Uncertainty regarding the offensive line as well as the loss of names like Marquise Brown also surrounded talk on the Ravens, and Jackson’s two-way dominance with his arm and legs continues to show. While the Ravens have blown two 20-point leads this season, they only trailed for a total of 14 seconds collectively in their two losses. Lamar Jackson does not have a roster that names like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, but is still playing at a very high level in both the passing and rushing categories. Jackson’s abilities often make him too much for defenses to handle without difficulty, landing him at the top of this list.