KC Chiefs: Top five MVP candidates heading into week 12

Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

MVP Candidates

Number 4 – Christian McCaffrey

Carolina was blasted in week 11 against the division rival Falcons. They are now 5-5 headed into a showdown with one of the best teams in football, the New Orleans Saints. They are headed in the wrong direction and Kyle Allen is making the Panthers rethink the Cam Newton situation.

If the Panthers can’t make the playoffs, there’s really no world in which Christian McCaffrey takes home the MVP.

The Case For:

With all the negative surrounding Carolina in the past two weeks, McCaffrey still went for 191 total yards in week 11. He still commands the entire opposing defense’s attention on every play. He is a threat to break a 70-yard run every time he touches the ball and that is why he is still in consideration for the MVP. He is the Carolina offense and will continue to be for the near future.

The season he is having is historic and that is the reason he is the only running back in consideration for the award heading into week 12.

The Case Against:

We are starting to witness the downfall of the Panthers. There’s a good chance they will lose their  third straight on Sunday, thus ending their playoff aspirations.

McCaffrey is unbelievable, but he will never have the impact that a quarterback can have on the game. That’s why quarterbacks win the MVP and running backs do not usually.

As great as he’s been this year, Carolina looks destined for a 5-6 record heading into week 13 and there’s a chance McCaffrey’s workload will be dialed back quite a bit if their playoff chances are gone. He deserves it.

MVP Moment:

Week 5 vs. Jaguars – 19 carries, 176 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, 6 receptions for 61 yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 0/1 passing, win. 

“Did he just do that?” Play:

84-yard run against the Jaguars in week five.