Jackson Surges, Purdy Falters: Shakeup in 2023 NFL MVP Race
Monday’s Christmas Day game between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers gave fans a true litmus test of who the NFL’s elite team really is. It also completely changed the odds on who will win the 2023 NFL MVP award. 49ers star linebacker Brock Purdy entered the game as the favorite to win the award. But as they say, you’re only as good as your last game.
And unfortunately, Purdy may have taken himself out of the competition with his performance on Christmas Day. Purdy struggled to get much offense against a stout Ravens defense, throwing for 255 yards and turning the ball over four times. He also didn’t throw a single touchdown in the game when he didn’t find the end zone at all for the first time all season. Meanwhile, the game’s MVP candidate, Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson, boosted his chances of winning the award with a stellar performance. Jackson threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns with zero turnovers in the game.
He also managed to lead his team in rushing, adding 45 yards on the day. After that performance, Jackson has now jumped Purdy in the 2023 NFL MVP odds. Jackson is now a 2-1 favorite to win the award, while Purdy is currently 12-1 behind the three players, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Interestingly, despite the 49ers losing, one player on the team increased their chances of winning. 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was one of the few bright spots in the game for the 49ers as he rushed for over 100 yards and recorded six receptions on the day and also found the end zone.
It will certainly be interesting to see McCaffrey’s jump-teamer Brock Purdy in the MVP race with just two weeks left in the regular season, a testament to how consistent he has been all season even with the 49ers’ worst offensive performance. throughout the year.
McCaffrey remains in contention to win the MVP award, which has recently become the de facto award for the best quarterback in football. Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Adrian Peterson was the last undrafted quarterback to win the award in 2012. Only time will tell if McCaffrey can accomplish that rare feat next. But it looks like he has as good a chance as anyone.
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