The NFL has proven to us that any given year a dark horse MVP candidate can emerge. This year Patrick Mahomes took that mantle, taking the league by storm his first year starting, but who else is racing for the trophy? Here are the top 5 MVP candidates as of week 6.

5. Khalil Mack– The Bears traded away 2 first round picks, a 3rd round pick, and a 6th round pick in exchange for Khalil Mack. This trade shocked the NFL world, as Khalil Mack is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. Mack immediately made a statement logging a sack, forced fumble, and a pick 6 in his first game with the Bears. Although his stats are strong, the reason he’s on this list is because of the impact he’s given this team. The Bears defense was already solid going into the year but with the addition of Mack they have solidified themselves as one of the top defenses in the NFL only allowing 19 PPG. Mack did see an injury week 6 vs. the Dolphins causing him to have a very mediocre game, but if he gets back on track next week vs the Patriots he will remain on this list.

4. J.J Watt– Due to injury, last year was Watt’s second season in a row playing 5 games or less. This had people asking themselves if Watt will ever be like himself again or if he’ll just be an injury prone veteran. Watt has proven the doubters wrong this year, currently tied for first for sacks and forced fumbles. Watt has helped lead the Texans on a 3 game winning streak. On this winning streak, the defense has stepped up for the Texans allowing less than 20 points in 2 of the games. Even though he’s a defensive player, J.J Watt has to be in the talks of the MVP trophy.

3. Drew Brees– Arguably the most underrated player in the history of the NFL. Drew Brees is having himself a historic season, breaking the all-time passing yards record, only two weeks after breaking the all-time completion record. Brees has had a very strong year with a total of 1,658 yards passing, 11 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Brees also managed to tack on 2 rushing touchdowns, a very rare thing for him. These statistics have led the Saints to a 4-1 record, their only loss coming from the Fitzmagic Buccaneers, so that really doesn’t count. If Brees stays consistent he should be considered a major MVP candidate.

2. Todd Gurley– Hands down the best running back in football. Todd Gurley has been the definition of dominant ever since the beginning of his 2017 campaign. Many believed Gurley was going to acquire the trophy last year after Carson Wentz went down with a torn ACL, instead it was given to Tom Brady. Gurley picked up right where he left off, already scoring 11 times (9 rush, 2 receiving) in 6 games. Gurley is projected to demolish his 19 touchdown total from last year. Gurley has done all of this without losing any fumbles. The Rams are now 6-0 mainly due to the high powered offense led by Todd Gurley. Even if Gurley took a step down from his current level, he should (and will) still be considered a top candidate this year.

3. Patrick Mahomes– Patrick Mahomes is doing something special this year. After trading away Alex Smith to the Redskins, the Chiefs relied on Pat Mahomes to lead the team. Mahomes started the year off with a bang, throwing for 893 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions in his first 3 games. The 23-year-old phenom has led the Chiefs to a 5-1 record, the lone loss coming in a shootout vs legend Tom Brady that Mahomes nearly pulled out the win in. Let’s just say if Patrick Mahomes continues what he’s been doing he’ll be sure to win the MVP.