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 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) watches the game from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

1. DeMarco Murray, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

One of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season has been the Dallas Cowboys, and DeMarco Murray is the main reason for the success that they have had this season. He has been running the football at an incredible level, and has looked nearly impossible to stop through eight games.

Murray has carried the football 206 times this year for 1,054 yards and seven touchdowns, and is on pace to break quite a few different records. The Cowboys have been dealing with drama this week, and quarterback Tony Romo’s status is in doubt due to a couple of small fractures in his back. That will likely mean that Murray’s usage will rise, and he will have even more chances to improve his numbers.

All of that being said, he is the MVP award winner if the race ended today. He has been absolutely amazing all season long despite defenses trying to shut him down, and has been able to stay healthy as well. It will be intriguing to see whether or not he can keep this type of production up all season long, and especially whether or not his health can hold up with the heavy usage that he is receiving.

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