Fansided

5 NFL MVP candidates flying under the radar

By Rucker Haringey

Matt Ryan #2, Atlanta Falcons (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Matt Ryan #2, Atlanta Falcons (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 12: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Underrated NFL MVP candidates in 2020

4. Deshaun Watson

Watson’s own coach, Bill O’Brien, has stacked the deck against his quarterback by trading away his favorite weapon in the offseason. That makes Watson a sneaky candidate for regression in 2020. Interestingly, it also gives him a unique opportunity to build a compelling narrative to win the MVP Award.

The degree of difficulty placed on Watson goes up significantly without DeAndre Hopkins on the field. Envision, for a moment, a scenario where the Texans offense plays at a high level without their former All Pro wide receiver. If that happens, it surely means that Watson has managed to take his game to an even higher level.

The Texans’ front office believes that providing Watson better protection this year will lead to substantial offensive gains. It’s at least possible that the talented signal caller will receive the privilege to make more throws from the pocket in 2020.

Last season, Watson “only” threw for 3,852 yards in 15 games. If he flirts with 5,000 yards through the air and gets Houston into the playoffs then he deserves to be the MVP. That makes him a good value at +2200 to win the award.

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