NFL MVP Chase through November 4, 2019

Russell Wilson once again owns the top spot in the MVP race. I've listed the contenders with their
teams' won-loss records, followed by the number of MVP points they accrued. A player gets an MVP
point if:

• His team wins the game
• He personally had a good game in those victories. It doesn't have to be a "great" game; for a quarterback it's a passer rating of 97.0 or higher, for backs and receivers it's 85 yards from scrimmage.

 Although it's often criticized, the better passer rating in a game is actually the best predictor of victory, and 97.0 is well above average. And 85 yards, which doesn't induce the wow factor in any particular game, puts one among the league leaders if it's attained every game. To attain it is to make significant contribution to victory.

By these standards, among players on winning teams only Wilson, Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, and Christian McCaffrey got an MVP point in every victory their team has had, and Wilson gets the nod because he has more victories.

1. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks 7-2, 7 MVP points

2. Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings, 6-3, 6 

3. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings, 6-3, 6

4. Michael Thomas, WR, Saints, 7-1, 6

5. Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks, 7-2, 6

6. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens, 6-2, 5

7. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 5-3, Panthers, 5

The following could enter the conversation if they and their teams play well in the coming weeks. According to many, Deshaun Watson is already in the conversation. But we are not ranking the best players, only the most valuable in relationship to victories. They are listed alphabetically.

Tom Brady, QB Patriots, 8-1, 4

Matt Breida, RB, 49ers, 8-0, 4

Exekiel Elliot, RB, Cowboys, 5-4, 4

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers, 8-0, 4

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints,7-1, 4

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs, 6-3, 4

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs 6-3, 4

Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys, 5-4. 4

Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans, 6-3, 4