After the NFL's Week 8, Rams teammates Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp are tied for the lead in the NFL MVP Chase. Unlike star players of other 7-1 teams, they have earned an MVP point (97.0 passer rating or 70 yards from scrimmage) in every victory so far.
If they keep up their individual statistical paces and are tied for the MVP Chase lead at the end of the season, they'd each have a good case for MVP:
Kupp is on pace for 20 receiving touchdowns, which would be 3rd all-time, and 1848 yards, also 3rd all-time. Aside from Titans running back Derrick Henry, who is out for several games (if not the rest of the season), Kupp is leading all receivers and backs in yards from scrimmage.
Stafford's current passer rating of 118.0 is fifth all-time, and he's currently first in QBR.
History shows that wide receivers don't stand much of a chance at winning the MVP. Jerry Rice twice won The Sporting News MVP, but no other outlet has given the award to a receiver in the modern era. A kicker has won the MVP, but no receiver.
This year, I would continue the tradition and favor Stafford over Kupp. Stafford has the advantage, not only over Kupp but over other quarterbacks, because as a new member of the Rams we can see the improvement at the quarterback position:
The Rams are averaging 7 more points per game compared to 2020.
Stafford's averaging 9.1 yards per pass attempt, compared to Jared Goff's 7.2 in 2020.
Stafford has already thrown for more touchdowns than Goff did all of last year.
It would seem that, more than Stafford benefitting from having a receiver like Kupp, Kupp is benefitting from having Stafford. Kupp's averaging two more catches per game, and an astonishing four more yards per catch, under Stafford.
Stafford will also probably have the "sympathy vote" as he previously played for the mostly dysfunctional Lions for 12 years. The NFL community would be glad to see him win it.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Some teams haven't even played half the season yet. This race is wide open..
SEVEN MVP POINTS
Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams (7-1)
Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams (7-1)
SIX MVP POINTS
Aaron Jones, RB, Packers (7-1)
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys (6-1)
Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals (7-1)
FIVE MVP POINTS
Davante Adams, WR, Packers (7-1)
Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers (6-2)
Chase Edmonds, RB Cardinals (7-1)
Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers (6-2)
Darrell Henderson, RB, Rams (7-1)
Derrick Henry, RB, Titans (6-2)
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints (5-2)
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers (7-1)
FOUR MVP POINTS
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Broncos (4-4)
Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals (5-3)
Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals (5-3)
Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers (6-2)
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys (6-1)
Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs (4-4)
Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys (6-1)
James Leroy Wilson writes from Nebraska. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. If you find value in his articles, subscribe and exchange value for value. You may contact him for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.
For Wilson's insights into the news, society, and spirituality, subscribe to JLCells.