With 10 weeks in the 2023 NFL season in the books, now is a great time to start taking stock of the players vying to take home MVP honors.
This season, household names like Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey are very much a part of the discussion, but rookie quarterback CJ Stroud seems to build as strong of a case as anyone with each passing weak, carrying a Houston Texans team that came into the campaign with less than zero expectations.
Usually, the MVP award favors quarterbacks, because passers are able to exert the most influence on a team's chances of winning (for better or worse). However, since there is so much on a quarterback's shoulders, players affecting the passing game are getting more MVP recognition. We're seeing superstar wide receivers get more love as the vital right-hand man to a QB, while pass rushers capable of disrupting an entire passing attack on their own are also highly valued
Who have been the most impressive players in the 2023 NFL season? Which ones have had the most direct impact on their team's success?
Let's take a look at the top 10 MVP candidates, sizing up where the rookie phenom Stroud stands among the experienced giants.
10. Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Minnesota Vikings
Danielle Hunter was a hot topic during the NFL trade deadline, and it was surprising to see that none of the contenders in need of an elite pass rusher decided to go for one of the league's sack leaders (11). The 29-year-old Minnesota Vikings star has always been one of the most gifted edge rushers in the league, and while the Vikes aren't exactly Super Bowl contenders this season with Kirk Cousins injured, they do have a passable 6-4 record.
Edge rushers can't be as directly responsible for wins and losses as elite offensive players, especially quarterbacks, but try arguing that point with Hunter. He's been a decisive playmaker on the defensive end for the Vikings, and surely fans are happy he wasn't traded for a mere draft pick.
9. Raheem Mostert, RB, Miami Dolphins
Remember when he was sharing carries with Matt Breida (and others) in the San Francisco 49ers backfield a couple of years ago? Now, Raheem Mostert is one of the stars of the electric Miami Dolphins offense, which is probably the most exciting unit to watch in the NFL. Mostert gets on this list just ahead of one of his talented teammates at the skill positions, Tyreek Hill, because what he's doing on the ground in the modern NFL is even more impressive.
Yes, Mostert is undeniably benefiting from the work Hill, Tua Tagavailoa, and others do in the Dolphins' elite passing attack, but Mostert is also helping them just as much as the most efficient feature back in the NFL. He is one of six running backs with over 600 rushing yards, leading the league with 11 touchdowns. And with 5.6 yards per carry coming into Week 10, he is indeed literally the most efficient qualifying running back in the entire league. His success rate of nearly 57 percent also ranked him squarely in the top three.
8. Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are 4-5 and probably out of the playoff hunt, but they also boast a pass rusher who has been absolutely phenomenal this season. Maxx Crosby came into the NFL as a raw fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan, with only the most astute of draft pundits recognizing he had the tools and college production to become a legitimate top edge rusher at the NFL level.
Crosby has been dominant in 2023 for an otherwise mediocre Raiders team. He is one of the superstars winning them games, consistently disrupting the quarterback. Crosby's 9.5 sacks are impressive enough, but they honestly don't even do justice to how often he seems to get in the quarterback's face. If the Raiders can start to get their next moves right post-Derek Carr, maybe Crosby will get even more recognition around the NFL for being one of the league's most decisive defensive players.
7. TJ Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Clearly, there's a lot of love for TJ Watt. Pittsburgh Steelers fans are quick to sing the pass rusher's praises - and for good reason. Watt has 10.5 sacks through 9 appearances, so he has more than a fighting chance of recording 20 sacks for the second time in his career. He reached the coveted 22.5 mark in 2021, one season after already leading the NFL with 15 sacks.
More than just a sack-artist, Watt is one of the best in the league at hustling to loose fumbles and creating fumbles of his own with his hard-hitting style and tenacious ability to wrap around quarterbacks and get the strip. Watt is also active at fooling quarterbacks in the zone blitz and is a threat to pick off quarterbacks who aren't alert.
The Steelers have thrived off having active, athletic, and well-rounded pass-rushing outside linebackers in their highly aggressive 3-4 scheme. Watt fits the mold arguably better than anyone else to have suited up for this historic NFL franchise. The Steelers are in a bit of a difficult period right now, but Watt gives them a reason to believe they can win each week.
6. AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
In 2021, the Philadelphia Eagles finished 9-8 and needed a boost to get out of the early-playoff-elimination purgatory. So they went out and brought in one of the best offensive players in the game, providing quarterback Jalen Hurts with an elite target to get Philly agonizingly close to a Super Bowl ring. AJ Brown had already established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans, and he's getting more cred with the Philadelphia Eagles, who boast one of the biggest fanbases in professional sports.
Brown is the NFL wide receiver with the best MVP case this season, as he's already crossed the 1,000-yard mark on only 67 receptions. He is a threat to take the ball to the house on any given play and is one of the best downfield threats in the league, averaging about 15 yards per catch. Unlike Tyreek Hill, who does have more yards than the former Titan, Brown isn't on an offense loaded with other MVP candidates. Brown is the main main in Philly and the most impressive individual player on arguably the best team in the NFL.
The Eagles have an 8-1 record and as good of a shot as anyone at winning the Super Bowl. Brown is legitimately winning Philadelphia games on a frequent basis this season. He has a great chance of shooting up into the top five or even into the top three with the superstar quarterbacks. Sometimes, trading a first-round pick (and a third) for a wide receiver is a good move.
5. Christian McCaffrey, RB San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is no stranger to being on MVP lists despite being a running back, because he's so much more than a running back. Whether with the Carolina Panthers or the San Francisco 49ers, McCaffrey has the generational athletic gifts and the all-around impact to be the face of an entire offense. He's used to being his team's unquestioned top rushing threat and arguably their best receiver in the passing attack because of his game-breaking ability with the ball in his hands. Any team fortunate enough to employ the ex-Stanford star knows the drill; just give him the rock.
Brock Purdy has put up gaudy numbers this season with a QB Rating above 100, but most people underestand that McCaffrey is the true star of this offense. He makes them tick. Look at what happens to the Niners whenever he isn't available.
With 747 rushing yards, McCaffrey has over 100 more yards than the next-best overall rusher, Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans. He's taken the ball to the house nine times on the ground and has an additional four receiving touchdowns. As with AJ Brown and the Eagles, McCaffrey is the biggest reason why the 49ers have as good of a shot as anyone at winning it all in February 2024.
4. Myles Garrett, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
It may seem puzzling to have Myles Garrett ranked so far ahead of the other pass rushers who have similar numbers to him, but it's all about impact. The impact Garrett has on the entire Browns team is so far ahead of what any other defensive player does for their team. Cleveland have a 6-3 record despite a passing offense even more anemic than Pittsburgh's (8 touchdowns to 12 picks), a third-down conversion rate that is second-worst in the league, and a multitude of key injuries (like Nick Chubb).
Garrett is tied with Danielle Hunter for the league lead with 11 sacks. He is also tied for the league lead with four forced fumbles. The Browns are playoff contenders despite their abysmal passing statistics because of their great defense, which is capable of shutting down offenses and making plays of their own. And despite regularly facing double teams, holds, and all sorts of shenanigans, Garrett is the biggest playmaker on that defense. He makes everyone look that much better.
3. Tua Tagavailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
If this were a list for the Offensive Player of the Year, Tua Tagavailoa would be No. 1. The former Alabama Crimson Tide superstar has produced the most statistically brilliant 2023 NFL season thus far, averaging a league-best 8.5 yards per attempt with the second-most total passing yards in the league. Tagavailoa has stars all around him on offense, yes, but that shouldn't be held against him too much. After all, a great quarterback has a way of making his supporting cast look that much better.
Highly efficient with the football, Tagavailoa has been known for his ability to rack up scores for a team without giving the ball away; he was famous for that even in college. Tagavailoa has tossed 19 touchdowns to 7 interceptions, completing 69.5 percent of his passes despite often going for home-run plays. That's mightily impressive and speaks to his ability to lead a high-octane offense in the modern NFL. Like so many other great quarterbacks, Tua isn't afraid to take risks but doesn't actually take egregious chances. He knows how to walk the line.
2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
There is no question that Patrick Mahomes is the most important player in the NFL. Until proven otherwise, he sits atop the list of MVP candidates and might honestly remain the favorite to win MVP despite currently ranking third. Mahomes is having another fine season as he keeps Kansas City within Super Bowl contention.
He is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for the 7-2 Chiefs, tossing more than double the amount of touchdowns than interceptions. Mahomes ranks fourth in the NFL in passing yards, and he's doing it despite having a fairly underwhelming supporting cast. Tua Tagavailoa may have the more impressive numbers, but he has Tyreek Hill now and other impressive players around him. More to the point, Mahomes' Chiefs beat his Dolphins in their last meeting.
1. CJ Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Yes, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is the No. 1 MVP candidate so far in the 2023 season, and the only question some are asking is, why wasn't he No. 1? Carolina Panthers' top draft choice Bryce Young has plenty of talent and shouldn't be criticized because of Stroud's success, but from the Houston Texans' perspective, they are beyond thrilled with their decision to land the former Ohio State standout.
Fans familiar with Stroud's collegiate play are not in the least surprised by his NFL success, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who expected the 22-year-old to look this incredible through his first nine games. After winning fewer than five games in each of their last three seasons, Houston have already matched that total with a 5-4 record and are in the thick of the playoff hunt, thanks to Stroud.
Not only is Stroud the NFL's leading passer in terms of yardage, but he's also the least prone to interceptions despite being a rookie. Usually, rookie quarterbacks struggle to take care of the football. Even Peyton Manning was an interception machine coming out of Tennessee. Yet Stroud has thrown just one pick this season, meaning he throws an interception on just 0.4 percent of his dropbacks. That's a number you have to blink twice and squint at in order to believe.
Stroud is averaging 8.3 yards per pass attempt and is winning games all by his lonesome. Since he is a young quarterback, it is no illusion or coincidence that he is growing in strength and stature with each passing week. He fired off 456 yards and then 356 in back-to-back three-point wins to emerge victorious in shootouts with former top draft picks Baker Mayfield and Joe Burrow. Right now, Stroud is the leading MVP candidate. He has the numbers, and, more importantly, he is the player doing the best job of captaining his team to success.
