As the NFL season heads towards its climax, the MVP debate remains wide open. Usually dominated by quarterbacks, this year sees no clear standout, sparking discussions on alternative contenders.
Despite the QB-centric tradition, San Francisco 49ers’ running back Christian McCaffrey has emerged as a contender. However, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders poured skepticism on McCaffrey’s chances, stating, “The QBs usually take this award @ShannonSharpe.” On X (formerly Twitter), he added, “I had a 2000-yard season in ’97 and shared MVP with Brett Favre. #Christian might split it with.”
The Detroit Lions icon seems unable to let go of the contentious 1997 voting, where he and Favre shared the award with an equal vote split of 37.5%. Sanders boasted an incredible 2,053 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while Favre showcased 3,867 passing yards and 35 touchdown throws for the Green Bay Packers.
Although McCaffrey stands a chance for the award, history may not favor him. The most recent running back MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012, with 2,097 rushing yards. McCaffrey currently holds 1,932 scrimmage yards and leads all players with 21 total touchdowns, but with just two weeks remaining in the season.
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