Can a player that isn’t a quarterback finally win the MVP award? It hasn’t happened since Adrian Peterson did so in 2012 with the Minnesota Vikings.
In that season, on the ground, Peterson compiled a stat line of 348 rush attempts, 2097 rushing yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 131 rushing yards per game and 12 rushing touchdowns. In the air, he racked up 40 receptions, 217 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
Heading into week 16 of this current season, this is what McCaffrey’s stat line looks like:
Rushing - 244 carries, 1,292 rush yds, 5.3 YPC, 92 RYPG, 13 rush TDs
Receiving - 57 rec, 509 rec yds, 7 rec TDs
CMC is on pace for 1,569 total rushing yards and 618.5 receiving yards. This would put him at a total of 2,187.5 scrimmage yards for the year.
McCaffrey leads the NFL in the categories of rushing yards, scrimmage yards and touchdowns from scrimmage. McCaffrey is the only running back in the NFL with over 1,000 yards through Week 15, and he leads his position in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
And, let’s not forget that earlier this season he had a streak of scoring a touchdown in 17 consecutive games dating back to last season, which tied the NFL record with Baltimore Colts Hall of Famer Lenny Moore. He can become the first player in 28 years, and just the fourth since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger, to lead the NFL in rushing yards after every week of a full season. The other three are all in the Hall of Fame and won the MVP award in two of those four seasons they did so: O.J. Simpson (1973 and 1975, won MVP in 1973), Walter Payton (1977, won MVP), Emmitt Smith (1995, did not win MVP).
CMC’s own QB - Brock Purdy - who is currently the favorite (-200) to win this award, is actually endorsing his running back instead of himself.
“I think Christian should be MVP. I really do believe that. He does everything for us…and so in my eyes that’s an MVP.”
The fact that the frontrunner is lauding McCaffrey should tell you that there is legitimacy in backing him.
This is a QB driven league and a QB driven award; McCaffrey being a threat in the conversation in this day in age is remarkable in itself and that is finally being acknowledged publicly and consistently. The media narrative is shifting. And remember, the media is who votes on this award and seeing a lot of those members recognizing and appreciating CMC should give you a hint as well.
Respect is also being displayed in various sportsbooks. Circa, regarded as one of the sharper books, has the running back at +825 to win the award. Heck, even Caesars is listing him at +550.
The good news is that there are still several books (FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers) that have him at 16/1.
This guy has been the jack of all trades this season and being on the best team in the league certainly doesn't hurt his case. Plus, considering there are numerous other weapons on that squad (Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Brock Purdy, etc) and McCaffrey still proceeds to outshine them each and every week is incredibly impressive.
So let's look to take advantage of the juicy price while we still can.
Play: Christian McCaffrey MVP (16/1); risk 2 units to win 32 units
Other Futures Bets:
Panthers Under 5.5 Wins (+125) - CASHED
Jets Under 9.5 Wins (+125)
Falcons Under 8.5 Wins (+110)
Commanders Under 6.5 Wins (-118)
Trevor Lawrence MVP (17/1)
Tua Tagovailoa MVP (+600)
Jared Goff MVP (33/1)
Mike McDaniel COY (+850)
DeMeco Ryans COY (+330)
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