At the halfway point in the season, we’re now beginning to determine likely candidates for the NFL MVP award. The following list includes my predictions for this award, as well as cases for dark horse candidates, or players that most people don’t think of as an MVP candidate.

Likely Winners:

Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs): The reigning NFL and Super Bowl MVP hasn’t missed a beat this season. The Chiefs are 8-1 and are 2nd in the AFC behind the 8-0 Pittsburgh Steelers. Through 9 games, Mahomes is 2nd in the NFL in passing yards, along with an incredible 27 touchdowns and only 1 interception. With the incredible abilities of Patrick Mahomes, along with Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs remain a likely Super Bowl contender and Mahomes a likely MVP candidate.

Russell Wilson (QB, Seattle Seahawks): So far this season, the Seattle offense has been unstoppable. The Seahawks have scored 25+ in all of their games this season, and a large part of that has been the performance of Russell Wilson. Wilson is top 5 in passing yards and leads the league in terms of touchdowns with 29. Seattle is one of the favorites to win the NFC and remain Super Bowl candidates. If Wilson can maintain his level of performance for the rest of the season, he will be a likely MVP contender.

Josh Allen (QB, Buffalo Bills): Josh Allen has changed the Bills from a team people usually didn’t think of to a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Allen is top 5 in passing yards with 24 touchdowns. The Bills, an impressive 7-2 team, have grabbed big wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. With big games against the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers on the upcoming schedule, Allen will continue to get chances to prove himself.  

Dark Horse Candidates:

Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals): While Murray isn’t among the league leaders in passing yards or touchdowns, he’s definitely been fun to watch. With 2,673 total scrimmage yards and 24 touchdowns, Murray and the Cardinals have scored at least 20 points each week. However, at 5-3, the Cardinals don’t lead their division and will look to take the lead over the Seahawks. 

Dalvin Cook (RB, Minnesota Vikings): In just 7 games played, Dalvin Cook has posted incredible stats, with over 1,000 scrimmage yards 13 touchdowns. Cook has solidified himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive players and is yet to be shut down in a game. At 3-5, the Vikings will need to work to gain momentum and potentially earn a wildcard spot. It’s also rare for a non-quarterback to win MVP; the last time a non-quarterback won was Adrian Peterson on the Vikings in 2012. However, if Cook can maintain this incredible level of performance for the rest of the season, he could have a real shot at the exclusive award.