5 Unexpected NFL MVP Candidates So Far

Patrick Mahomes dominates most of the debate when it comes to NFL MVP honors as the Chiefs gunslinger is expected by many to win the award once again this year. Still, there is a lot of season left to play, and penciling in a winner already would be foolish, especially given the performances of some other elite players. This race is far from over, as Mahomes will face competition from other top players in the league.

Here are five players who are emerging as surprise MVP candidates.

5. Shaquil Barrett

A defender making noise in the MVP race? Yep, that's just how good the Bucs' edge rusher has been in 2019. Through five games, Barrett has amassed 22 tackles, NINE sacks, three forced fumbles, seven tackles for loss and 10 QB hits. After not starting a single game for the Broncos in 2018, Barrett is absolutely breaking out in Year 6 in the league. If he keeps even half this production up he could be in line for DPOY honors, and maybe even surprise people with an MVP award.

4. Lamar Jackson

If you were to ask who the leading MVP candidate was after Week 2, it would be hard not to argue for Jackson. The Ravens stud quarterback has cooled down recently, but is still an absolute monster that has thrown for more than 1,200 yards so far. Jackson has 11 passing touchdowns to five interceptions while averaging 6.2 yards per carry on the ground. He'll look to bounce back in Week 6 against the Bengals and continue what has been a stellar start to 2019.

3. Deshaun Watson

Watson has hurtled himself towards the top of this race after single-handedly demolishing the Falcons on Sunday. The Texans star threw for 426 yards and five touchdowns to give him a mind-boggling QBR of 98. Watson is just in his third year in the league, but already looks to be one of the most dominant players in the game. He's completed a career-high 69.2% of his passes for 1,364 yards and 11 touchdowns to just one interception. Impressive stuff from the 24-year-old.

2. Michael Thomas

Thomas continues to exceed expectations and amaze this season. Even without Drew Brees targeting him on virtually every play, Thomas has kept the Saints offense afloat. He caught 11 receptions for 182 yards on Sunday against the Buccaneers, adding to his already gaudy season stats that include a league-high 45 catches and 543 yards, alongside three touchdown grabs. He's somehow managed to maintain his absurd production even with Teddy Bridgewater under center, a true testament to how talented Thomas is.

1. Christian McCaffrey

It's not just the solid start the Panthers are off to that's put McCaffrey in this position. The third-year running back is having an absolute breakout season, compiling more yards from scrimmage than Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliot combined. He also has more total yards than the entire New York Jets offense. After amassing 237 scrimmage yards on Sunday, while sitting out a good chunk of the fourth quarter, McCaffrey brought his season total up to 866 yards and seven total touchdowns. Those sure look like MVP numbers!