With 11 whole weeks remaining in the 2016 NFL regular season, here’s how we view the MVP race…
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys: I know Dak Prescott has been good, but it’s Elliott who is carrying 5-1 Dallas. He was always a prime offensive rookie of the year candidate, but now he’s gotta be considered a top-tier candidate for offensive player of the year and MVP. And what’s scary is he’s been getting better each week. With four straight 130-yard performances, the 21-year-old leads the NFL in rushing by a 116-yard margin.
2. Matt Ryan, Falcons: The league’s highest-rated passer was solid again in a tough road loss to the Seahawks. He’s still averaging a ridiculous 9.9 yards per attempt.
3. Sam Bradford, Vikings: Bradford drops a spot after a bye week. Still, he’s completed 70.4 percent of his passes, he’s the NFL’s second highest-rated passer and he’s yet to throw an interception for 5-0 Minnesota, so he’s a top-notch candidate.
4. Russell Wilson, Seahawks: The numbers aren’t as pretty as Ryan’s or Bradford’s, but a hobbled Wilson continues to carry a 4-1 Seattle team.
5. Derek Carr, Raiders: He’ll need to improve on those rate-based statistics, but the clutch third-year quarterback has still been a stud for a 4-2 Oakland team.
6. Von Miller, Broncos: Another sack and six tackles in another kick-ass performance for Miller, who is the heart and soul of that Denver team. He hangs in as the league’s only legit MVP candidate on the defensive side of the ball.
