KC Chiefs: Top five MVP candidates heading into week 12
By Gage Stagner
MVP Candidates
Number 5 – DakPrescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Contract-year Dak Prescott has been sensational. Since Kellen Moore took over the offense coordinator duties, the Cowboys have thrown the ball a ton more, no pun intended.
Prescott has led the Cowboys to the division lead in the NFC East and he has been the engine for Dallas, not Ezekial Elliott, who was the one who got paid this offseason. Prescott looks like he too will get paid, and if he keeps up this play, he will be a serious MVP candidate.
Plus, he’s a Cowboy, which will get him popularity votes if nothing else.
The Case For:
Prescott is the league leader in passing yards by almost 200. At first, it seemed he had to carry a heavier load while Elliott was getting into game shape. Now, ten games in, we can now see that they are leaning more heavily on him in general.
The Cowboys have transformed their offense, almost daring Prescott to perform up to the contract he desires. He has come through with the second-best quarterback rating, second-most passing touchdowns, and is top-ten in almost every other category.
The Case Against:
The Cowboys are just 6-4 and their schedule is about to get a lot tougher. They play the Patriots, Bears, Rams, and Eagles in the next four weeks. The showdown with the Eagles in week 16 may be the deciding factor on who wins the division.
There’s a chance Prescott can’t even lead the Cowboys to the playoffs. The defense has been very good this year, contributing to the wins. Also, Prescott has a lot of talent surrounding him; Michael Gallup has had a breakout year, Randall Cobb has been serviceable, Amari Cooper and Elliott are both in the top-ten at their respective position.
The talent may be the reason for Prescott’s huge year. He has only beat one good team, and that was the Eagles, who are suspect at the moment. There’s not much of a winning resumé.
MVP Moment:
Week 1 vs. Giants – 25/32, 405 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, 4 rushes for 12 yards, win.