NFL MVP Race: Top 5 MVP Candidates Heading Into Week 17
By Bryce Olin
2. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
If the Houston Texans somehow miraculously make the playoffs this weekend, J.J. Watt is going to win MVP.
There’s no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts,” either. Watt has been the best player in football, but it’s nearly impossible to calculate his impact and support it with stats.
On paper, Watt looks like a good defensive linemen:
| Def Interceptions | Fumbles | Sacks & Tackles | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Sk | Int | TD | FF | FR | TD | Tkl | Ast |
| 2014 | 17.5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 53 | 19 |
| Career | 54.0 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 1 | 235 | 54 |
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/27/2014.
And, a half-decent tight end:
| Receiving | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
| 2014 | 3 | 4 | 1.3 | 3 |
| Career | 3 | 4 | 1.3 | 3 |
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/27/2014.
In reality, however, we know Watt is a mad man, a machine, if you will, and a monster.
There is not another defensive player in the league who commands the attention that Watt does. Watt is working against a double-team almost every play, and there’s other times when he’s working against triple-team, AND HE STILL MAKES THE PLAY.
Watt is the best defensive linemen in the league, and he’s one of the major reasons the Texans have a winning record and a chance at the playoffs this season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Watt won MVP. He’s the best player in the NFL right now… but that’s not always what the MVP is about.
Next: The Best Running Back in the NFL