KC Chiefs: Five players who could challenge Patrick Mahomes for MVP

The KC Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes burst onto the scene in 2018. Tallying 50 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards passing was enough for the second-year quarterback to earn the title of MVP.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the talent and pieces in place to earn a second straight MVP, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t have some competition to earn it again.

Not even Chiefs Kingdom could have expected the Chiefs’ young signal-caller to earn an NFL MVP honor in his first year as a starter. Now, in his second year, he’s atop the list of expected MVP candidates. He’s not alone on that list, though, and will have to put together another unbelievable season to beat out these five players.

Andrew Luck

Since being drafted number one overall in 2012, the Indianapolis Colts’ Andrew Luck has both exceeded expectations and left a lot to be desired. Early on he was one of the league’s top quarterbacks and even led his team to the playoffs. After a shoulder injury and recovery and some coaching changes, Luck finally looks to have his career back on track.

After a slower start in 2018, Luck and the Colts made a nice run to the playoffs under first-year head coach, Frank Reich. Luck was even mentioned in the race for MVP after rounding into form, post-injury. His 39 touchdowns were second only to Mahomes’ 50, which helped him to earn the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award.

Had the Colts not ran into the Chiefs in the playoffs, they very well could have been playing in the AFC Championship game last January. This year, the Colts will be in their second year under Frank Reich and will begin the season on solid footing. They also look to be improved with the personnel that they’ve added this offseason.

Armed with ten draft picks, ex-Chiefs executive and current Colts general manager Chris Ballard, loaded up on young players. Most of their draft centered around the defense, but there was one pick that will definitely benefit Luck. Ohio State wide receiver Parris Campbell was selected late in the second round and should fit in nicely with the talented Colts quarterback.

Luck may not be surrounded by superstars, but he doesn’t need to be. With a decent second-year head coach, a defense on the rise, and a few talented offensive weapons, Luck appears to be set up to have an even more successful year this year than last.

Watch for Andrew Luck’s name to be mentioned in the MVP race as the season progresses.