One of the more interesting stories throughout the 2023 season so far has been who will take home the NFL MVP Award this year. Here is an argument made for the three potential 2023 NFL MVP candidates.
Each year, the NFL crowns the MVP award to a player who has been the most outstanding. So far this year several suitors have built up a strong case for the MVP. However, only one can walk away with the 2023 NFL MVP Award.
2023 NFL MVP Race: Lamar Jackson
After the Baltimore Ravens' 33-19 win against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may have strengthened his case by picking up a statement win against the two other MVP candidates; both playing on one of the best teams in the NFL.
Jackson's performance on Monday was another feather in the cap for MVP. Not only picking up a win but threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, outplaying 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who came into Monday's game as the 2023 NFL MVP favorite.
Jackson, without a doubt, has also been electric this season. Throwing for 19 touchdowns to a measly seven interceptions while leading the Ravens to a 12-3 record, which is currently the best in the league.
He has also stepped up in big game performances this season, including the Ravens's 37-31 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams, where Jackson threw for three touchdowns; along with his Week 2 38-6 monster performance against the Detroit Lions, in which Jackson threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns as well.
Jackson is no stranger to taking home the NFL MVP award, winning the award in 2019. Furthermore, a quarterback has been the winner of the award each year in the past decade. Could we see this trend continue with Jackson taking home the NFL MVP award for the second time in his career?
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2023 NFL MVP Race: Christian McCaffrey
The 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has built a solid case for 2023 MVP as well. So far, the All-Pro running back has been a consistent workhorse for the 49ers' offense, putting up 1,395 rushing yards through the weeks and finding the end zone 21 times; 14 rushing and seven receiving.
He also leads the league in rushing attempts and is third in the league in rushing touchdowns behind Jalen Hurts and Raheem Mosert.
McCaffrey also had several stand-out performances so far. In the 49ers' Week 15 45-29 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, he put up 187 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns; one receiving and two rushing.
He put himself in the elite company earlier this season, becoming the fifth running back to score 80 touchdowns in his first 90 games. The other four were LaDainian Tomlinson (104 games) and Emmitt Smith (97), 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander (91), and 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson (83).
There have only been 18 running backs to win the NFL MVP since the award was given. If McCaffrey happens to win this season, he'll join a list of elite running backs to win the award; with names such as Emmit Smith, Shaun Alexander, and Adrian Peterson.
2023 NFL MVP Race: Brock Purdy
Despite his poor performance in Monday's matchup against the Ravens, Christian McCaffrey's teammate Brock Purdy remains a solid favorite to take home the 2023 NFL MVP amongst voters.
Purdy has been thrown for 29 touchdowns on 4,050 passing yards so far this season. The great quarterback play this season has helped lift the 49ers to an NFC-best record of 11-4 .
The 49ers quarterback also has strung together a few outstanding performances against some of the best teams in the NFL. This includes Week 5 against the Cowboys, throwing for 252 yards and four touchdowns; and Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguar, throwing for three touchdowns.
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