NFL MVP Stock Watch, Week 2: Josh Jacobs debuts

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders kneels after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 13: Jeremy Chinn #21 of the Carolina Panthers pursue Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

5. Josh Jacobs, RB (Las Vegas Raiders)

Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked

2020 Stats: 25 Carries, 93 Rushing Yards, 4 Receptions, 46 Receiving Yards, 3 TDs

Josh Jacobs, not Christian McCaffrey, was the most prolific running back on the field in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday. McCaffrey also played admirably, but Jacobs’ numbers outdid the Panthers tailback individually.

Most importantly, Jon Gruden and his Raiders left Bank of America Stadium with a victory. NFL MVP Stock Watch by FanSided is big on wins as the winner of the MVP award typically is the leader of a team that stacks regular-season victories.

For a week, the Raiders did just that. The Panthers are not scheduled to be a juggernaut by any means but winning a Week 1 contest on the road against any NFL team is commendable. What’s more, Jacobs scored north of two touchdowns for the first time in his young career and was very much the straw that stirred the drink for Las Vegas.

Next week, the Raiders enter their Sin City palace for the very first time to host the formidable New Orleans Saints. Jacobs will need to be nearly or more effective against the Saints as he was the Panthers. The Saints, like each recent season, have high hopes for 2020 and possess a roster to show for it.

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