MVP rankings: Wentz, Smith lead weakest race in years
This NFL season has been weird, and the MVP race is no exception.
Out-of-left-field candidates lead what is one of the weaker MVP groups in recent memory - especially after the loss of Aaron Rodgers.
1. Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles
1,852 passing yards, 61.9 completion percentage, 17 TDs, 4 INTs
Wentz leaped to the top of this group with a career day during Monday night's win over the Redskins.
The second-year pivot has defied expectations following a lackluster rookie year. He still has issues, but his Houdini act versus Washington highlighted his rare skill set.
2. Alex Smith, QB, Chiefs
1,979 passing yards, 72.4 completion percentage, 15 TDs, 0 INTs
Hands up if you thought Wentz and Smith would be the frontrunners for MVP after seven weeks? ... Anybody?
The Chiefs' veteran quarterback is playing with a new-found fire and aggression and should be commended for maximizing the elite weapons around him and for his amazing lack of turnovers.
3. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
2,208 passing yards, 66.4 completion percentage, 15 TDs, 2 INTs
Another year, another MVP-type campaign from the five-time Super Bowl champion.
Brady's numbers are spectacular as always, but his case is strengthened by playing with a league-worst defense and the loss of key man Julian Edelman.
4. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
52 catches, 765 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Yes, wide receivers never win this award. But Brown is almost single-handedly keeping the Steelers' passing game alive, and he's on pace to get near his career high in yards and catches.
Despite Ben Roethlisberger's erratic play, the star pass-catcher hasn't missed a beat and is one of the main reasons Pittsburgh sits at 5-2.
5. Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs
717 rushing yards, 25 catches, 285 receiving yards, 6 total TDs
While Hunt's production on the ground has dropped off in the last two games following a historic start to his career, he still has 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
As a quarterback, Smith will always get more MVP attention, but Hunt and his insane ability to consistently break tackles is the driving force of the Chiefs' offense.
6. Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
1,297 passing yards, 61.5 completion percentage, 15 TDs, 5 INTs, 202 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
If this was the award for the most fun player to watch, Watson would be the odds-on favorite.
The rookie pivot exploded onto the scene after taking the reins in Week 2, scoring an incredible 17 total touchdowns and turning the perennially poor Texans offense into the top-scoring unit over that span.
7. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
1,652 passing yards, 69.1 completion percentage, 11 TDs, 4 INTs
Once again, Brees continues to be undervalued in MVP discussions. Maybe it was the Saints' 0-2 start or because the pivot's numbers, while great, are par for the course for him.
But he could be a dark-horse candidate for the rest of the season with the defense finally improving and the offense completely in his hands after Adrian Peterson's departure.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)