KC Chiefs: Top five MVP candidates heading into week 12

MVP Candidates

Number 3 – Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers had a bye in week 11, but he has vaulted in the rankings while Aaron Jones has now dropped out of my top five. There are a few reasons for this, but put simply, quarterback value is more important than it’s ever been.

We can see that with McCaffrey and the Panthers and their sudden fall out of contention in the NFC. Rodgers is more valuable to the Packers than Jones has been, taking away nothing from Jones’ great season.

The Case For:

Rodgers, as stated in last week’s list, is having on of the best seasons of his career. He has kept the Packers afloat with Davante Adams out for a good amount of the year and he recognizes his window is closing quickly to win.

Rodgers will undoubtedly step his game up for the stretch run and he is the kind of player that cares about the MVP race, in my opinion at least. He will be leaned on more heavily and this week’s Sunday night game against the 49ers could be a huge resumé-builder.

The Case Against:

Sunday night could go the opposite way for Rodgers. If he loses in a primetime matchup with the 49ers, his MVP chances take a major hit. There’s a good chance he would lose out on the one-seed in the NFC due to this hypothetical loss.

Aaron Jones could be leaned on heavier and get back into this list next week if Matt LaFleur would rather attack the 49ers run defense, which has not been as good as the ridiculous pass defense. This is just a tough matchup and a lot could be decided Sunday night.

MVP Moment:

Week 7 vs. the Raiders – 25/31, 429 yards, 5 touchdowns, win.

“Did he just do that?” Play:

Week 8 touchdown throw to Jamaal Williams in the back of the endzone.