NFL: Top 5 MVP Candidates Heading Into Week 9

By Evan Massey | Nov 2, 2014

Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Oakland 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

One of the more surprising MVP candidates at this point in the season is Philip Rivers, who has led the San Diego Chargers to a competitive 5-3 record. They have a good chance at getting into the playoffs, but they need Rivers to continue putting up the type of monster numbers that he has been posting this season.

Rivers has thrown for 2,213 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions this season, and has made huge plays down the stretch of games to secure a couple of those games. San Diego wasn’t expected to compete in the AFC this season by many, but they have quieted those critics and are focused on making the playoffs. Everything will depend on how Rivers plays through the end of the season.

San Diego has some weapons for him to use on the offensive side of the football, but he is making his teammates better around him. They have shown some flaws this year that need to be improved, but Rivers hasn’t shown many flaws at all. It will be very intriguing to see where he is able to lead them down the stretch of the season.

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