The NFL season just started, but it’s never too early to identify potential MVP candidates. Thus far, we have seen an interesting field of contenders with some familiar faces and a couple of unusual candidates. Let’s look at five NFL players who have separated themselves early from the rest of the pack:
Josh Allen, QB, Bills
Any MVP ballot through three weeks should start with Buffalo’s star quarterback. Josh Allen has posted some gaudy stats over the years but has yet to capture an MVP trophy. This might be the year. He’s played at an extremely high level, limiting turnovers, and has the Bills at 3-0. The narrative plays a big part in these awards. With Stefon Diggs gone, it seemed like the Bills could take a step back. Instead, Allen has the offense looking as good as ever and is in the pole position to win MVP.
Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings
An early dark horse candidate for a Vikings team sitting at 3-0. It looked like Sam Darnold was destined for a career as a backup after flaming out in New York and Carolina. After spending a year in San Francisco, Darnold latched on with the Vikings this offseason. The move was initially viewed as a bridge, of sorts, for rookie JJ McCarthy. With McCarthy out of the year nursing an injury, the new expectations became that Darnold would become the starter for the length of the season. What a start it has been for the former USC standout. Darnold has the Vikings offense humming after back-to-back wins over contenders — 49ers and Texans. He threw for four touchdowns in the win over Houston and currently leads the league with 8 TD passes.
TJ Watt, DE, Steelers
Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt looks like a man on a mission in ’24. The Steelers’ defense has been the best unit in the league. Last week, Watt and the rest of the group stonewalled the Chargers in a dominant second-half performance. They’ve surrendered just 26 points over three games, and Watt has been the main catalyst. He’s emerged as the best defensive player in football and has registered a sack in each game this season. A defensive player winning this award is a bit farfetched, but if the Steelers keep winning, Watt will earn a ton of recognition.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
Running backs have been much-maligned over the years. Saquon Barkley has been regarded as one of the best backs in the league for years, but his former team, the New York Giants, didn’t feel overly compelled to keep him in-house. As a result, Barkley latched on with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles and has thrived for his new team. Barkley has been a big reason the Eagles stand at 2-1 despite injuries across the board. Barkley made his debut in Brazil and notched three touchdowns versus the Packers. In Week 3, Barkley dominated in a much-needed win over the high-powered Saints. Barkley scampered for a 65-yard touchdown run to take the lead and then capped off the game with a 4-yard TD. He’s the early favorite for Offensive Player of the Year and must be included here as a result.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
At 3-0 fresh off another Super Bowl run, Patrick Mahomes deserves a spot on this list. The numbers are not eye-popping. The Chiefs were lucky to escape with each of their wins. However, this is the best team in football and Mahomes remains the best QB in football. The yardage and touchdowns will eventually come. If the Chiefs keep winning, Mahomes will be in the race to capture his third MVP trophy.
