KC Chiefs: Top five MVP candidates heading into week 14
By Gage Stagner
MVP CANDIDATES
Number 4 – Deshaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
No one has made more of a leap than Watson since the last list, which was two weeks ago. He just dismantled the Patriots defense on Sunday night and he’s led the Texans to a good shot at a top-three seed in the AFC.
He’s been his steady-self this season and the Texans have flown under the radar. While that may be for a lack of postseason success, the MVP is again, a regular season trophy. Watson could take a leap in these standings as a young quarterback with a chip on his shoulder.
The Case For
He’s been labeled underrated due to the Mahomes buzz and there’s some truth to that. He’ll always be compared to Mahomes, there’s no way around it. Watson will be in the league for a long time, the Texans have ran into health issues since he’s entered the league.
Now with Lamar Jackson getting the hype, Watson is not on anyone’s mind and that could be his biggest case for why he’ll take a leap the next few weeks. He completely killed the Patriots secondary last week, one of the most impressive feats of the year. He could become the top competitor to Jackson if he stays on this trajectory and Houston keeps winning games.
The Case Against
His season stats haven’t been up to MVP standards and would need a few games where he goes nuts to get to that level. He also doesn’t have any prime time games left and while a weak schedule might lead to wins, it won’t get him the publicity he needs to get his first MVP. The stats will need to be much improved for Watson to be in serious consideration.
MVP Moment:
Week 5 vs. Falcons – 28/33, 426 yards passing, 5 passing touchdowns, win.
“Did he just do that?” Play:
35-yard shot to Kenny Stills in week 13 against the Patriots.