2022-23 NFL MVP: Updated Rankings and Latest Predictions Following Week 18

The NFL MVP award is a quarterback's award, something readily apparent based on the superstar signal-callers competing to get their hands on the prize.

Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to the top seed in the NFC, with his ability to throw and run the ball sparking one of the league's most dynamic offenses.

However, will an injury that forced him to the sidelines for two games late in the season hurt his chances of claiming the franchise's first NFL MVP since Norm Van Brocklin in 1960?

Ready to leapfrog Hurts are Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.

Who should be considered the favorite to win the award as part of this year's NFL Honors?

Find out with this look at the updated rankings.

Updated Rankings

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills attempts a pass during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
   
4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Favorites

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CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 08: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 27-16 at Paycor Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

Allen was the preseason favorite to take home the award, and he could have won this accolade outright in any other season. He compiled a stat line of 35 passing touchdowns, seven rushing and a quarterback rating of 96.6.

His 14 interceptions were a little high, but that is to be expected when someone is throwing the ball 536 times per season.

Burrow touts similar stats, with 35 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions for a quarterback rating of 100.8. It can be argued he was more consistent than Allen, particularly in the middle of the season, en route to setting a franchise record for touchdowns.

Hurts also scored 35 touchdowns, though those came a bit differently than his peers. He scored 22 through the air and added 13 on the ground as the force behind one of the league's most dynamic and seemingly unstoppable offenses.

Without him in Weeks 16 and 17, the Eagles moved the ball but weren't the same team that had dominated the competition previously. They struggled with consistency and missed the unpredictability of their signal-caller.

In the final game of the season while still dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, Hurts was not at his best and likely sealed his fate regarding an MVP win this year.

All three would have been deserving winners, but this year's award was wrapped up in the closing weeks of this season by a man who has become the face of the NFL over the last six years and already has a league MVP and Super Bowl ring to his name.

Prediction

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up wearing a Hamlin Strong sweatshirt for Damar Hamlin before playing against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)

Mahomes topped the NFL with 5,250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns while guiding the Chiefs to the top seed in the AFC. He also had 358 yards rushing.

On top of all of that, this was his first season in the league without star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

While Mahomes still dazzled fans with his improvised plays and ability to escape danger, he was a smarter and more patient quarterback in his sixth season.

After playing some of the best football of his career, the 27-year-old is the obvious choice to secure the MVP this season.

The argument can be made that Hurts was more valuable to his team, that Burrow set a franchise record for TDs or Allen was the most significant game-changer, but Mahomes is a proven commodity and had what might well be his most complete season as a passer.

The Texas Tech product wins this one, though his peers will hope to get the last laugh by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy on 12 February.