Mahomes Still Favored to Win NFL MVP After Week 5 Struggles; Is There Value?

• Patrick Mahomes was the runaway favorite for NFL MVP before a poor Week 5 performance
• Excellent play from Russell Wilson and Christian McCaffrey has narrowed the 2019 MVP odds
• Should you lay your money on Mahomes or take a chance on one of the other candidates?

Before the 2019 NFL season even began, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the pack in the MVP race. Through four games in the regular season, his odds only improved, and he was as short as -125 last Monday.

It was understandable; his play was spectacular. He routinely put up outrageous numbers in terms of yardage while also lighting up the scoreboard for touchdowns.

Who could forget when he absolutely torched the Oakland Raiders for four touchdowns in a single quarter? But somehow, the Detroit Lions managed to slow him down and hold him to no touchdowns during their Week 4 matchup. Then, in Week 5, the Chiefs ran into the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football, and Mahomes had one of the worst games of his young career.

Now, the NFL MVP odds look considerably different.

2019 NFL MVP Odds

Mahomes only got the ball into the end zone once against the Colts and was wildly inaccurate, completing just 22 of 39 passes.

is important to realize that he injured his ankle during the game and was noticeably limited in terms of his mobility. Even on a gimpy leg, he still put up 321 yards, but the offense was not efficient and the Chiefs only scores 13 points.

His Biggest Competition

Mahomes may still be in the driver’s seat to win back to back MVPs but he has some major competition. Russell Wilson has led his Seattle Seahawks to an impressive 4-1 record and is fresh off a home victory against the Los Angeles Rams.

.@DangeRussWilson couldn't have dropped it in more perfectly.

And @Will_Diss with the unreal over the shoulder grab! #Seahawks

?: #LARvsSEA on FOX
?: https://t.co/pfuFFe7HxS
Learn how to watch: https://t.co/I6INVckndX pic.twitter.com/ArGBVAlWvz

— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2019

Wilson is leading the league in touchdown passes with 12. He is also number one in passer rating, as well.

Running back Christian McCaffrey is proving that he just might not be from this planet. He is leading the league in rushing yards and also ranks in the top 15 in terms of pass receptions on the year.

His 6 touchdowns on the year ranke him near the top of that leaderboard as well.

When it’s contract time, the #Panthers need to slide CMC a blank check and tell him to “write a number” #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/Oa34Bl0IPS

— The PHInish Line Sports Pod ? (@PHInishSports) October 7, 2019

Meanwhile Houston Texans signal caller Deshaun Watson has been a magician with the ball all year long. Watson just destroyed the Atlanta Falcons to the tune of 426 yards and 5 touchdowns with no interceptions.

To put it in a nutshell, Mahomes has some serious competition on his hands.

Best Bet

We are only entering Week 6 of the season. There will be plenty of time for everyone to make their case. As tempting as it is to go with one of the other candidates, you just have to stick with Mahomes for now. Sure he is fresh off a subpar game but he is still the best quarterback in the league, and this ankle injury should impact him longterm.

Although you should ride with Mahomes, you should keep an eye on Russell Wilson. He has been a monster all year long.

It really is too early to determine who will win this award. Injury can play a big role in deciding who comes away with the hardware, but as long as Mahomes is healthy, he should continue to put up ridiculous numbers all season long.