If this keeps up, Sam Darnold will have comeback player of the year wrapped up before the holiday season.
Darnold, 27, is in the midst of reviving his NFL career as a starting quarterback for the undefeated Minnesota Vikings this season, so much so that he suddenly has the fastest-rising MVP odds in the league entering Week 5.
The Vikings are Darnold’s fourth team overall, and his first chance as a franchise’s opening day starter since 2021. He suddenly has the NFL’s best passer rating (118.9) among starters through four games. The oddsmaker have seen enough to adjust his trajectory in the MVP race, launching Darnold into the top five for the first time after the Vikings’ 4-0 start.
The reigning NFL MVP continues to rise once more in this season’s MVP rankings after another impressive performance following the Ravens’ 0-2 start. Jackson threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 54 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore’s 35-10 win over the Bills and their MVP contender in Allen. The Ravens are on the road at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5.
Purdy’s status as an MVP contender improves as the likelihood of a quick return for 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey decreases. But Purdy is also helping his case with dependable performances. He is currently ranked second in the NFL in passing yards while San Francisco battles through injuries. Purdy was 15 of 27 for 288 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 49ers’ 30-13 win over New England in Week 4. They host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Mahomes isn’t having his best season. He doesn’t currently rank among the top 10 in passing yards or passer rating. But oddsmakers still believe in his track record, and the Chiefs are still 4-0, so Mahomes is again the leader to be named NFL MVP. He did enough in Kansas City’s come-from-behind 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, throwing for 245 yards and one touchdown. But the Chiefs lost wide receiver Rashee Rice due to an injury, unfortunately caused when Mahomes fell into Rice’s leg awkwardly. If Kansas City is going to maintain its spot atop the AFC, Mahomes might have to play like an MVP given the state of his receiving corps.
