Honorable Mentions – Aaron Jones, Aaron Donald, Teddy Bridgewater
These three players are all having incredible seasons. Aaron Jones is out to prove that he is a dominant back and one of the leagues best. Last year Jones was tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns. This year he may get that as well as the rushing yards leader. He is an incredibly efficient running back. Unfortunately for his MVP chances, Aaron Rodgers dominance will make it nearly impossible for him to win this award.
On the defensive side of the football Aaron Donald is once again wrecking havoc on opposing offenses. He is leading the league in sacks as an interior lineman, but he brings so much more to the Rams defense than just getting to the QB. Donald has a very good chance to win this years defensive player of the year award. However, if his dominant play continues he may be in talks for an MVP award much like JJ Watt was in 2014.
While he isn’t getting much attention, Teddy Bridgewater is having a career year in Carolina. While many teams were hesitant about signing Bridgewater over injury concerns, the Panthers took a chance on him. That risk is paying off in a big way. Bridgewater is having a career year with the Panthers. He’s coming off three straight wins after a rough start to the year. If Bridgewater can keep up the level of play we have seen the last 3 weeks, and Carolina keeps wining, he may end up getting a few MVP votes. After a devastating knee injury, Bridgewater’s success is already one of the top stories in the NFL.