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Race for MVP – S8: Can a rookie become MVP?

Thursday is MVP! Jayden Daniels is truly the hit of this start of the season. Yet hampered by whistling ribs, the Commanders rookie lit up the week with a magnificent pass hail mary for victory. This allows him to appear in our top 5. The rest of the ranking remains unchanged with Lamar Jackson less convincing but still in the lead.

Behind him, Josh Allen and Jared Goff complete the podium without having particularly made an impression this week. Derrick Henry, also on a less good day, still remains fourth.

Star of the week: Jayden Daniels (QB), Commanders

Jayden Daniels is redefining the future of Commanders. When all seemed lost against the Bears, the rookie launched a hail mary who will remain in the big moments of this season, finding Noah Brown in the end zone for a decisive touchdown. Result: an unexpected victory, an impressive record of 6-2 and a performance of 326 passing yards, 52 on the ground, all without any loss of ball.

And to think that he was playing with weakened ribs, putting his status in doubt until the hours before the match. Daniels, although chosen just after Caleb Williams in the 2024 draft, outperformed his rival on the field, demonstrating that he is more than just a bet for the future.

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If the heavyweights of the circuit like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen still sit at the top of the MVP race, Daniels already deserves to find a place in the discussions. The season is still long, but for this young talent, the rise to power has only just begun. And in Washington, everything suddenly seems possible.

The revelation of the week: Jameis Winston (QB), Browns

With his first start since 2022, Jameis Winston offered the Browns a new lease of life, where Deshaun Watson was struggling to convince. With three touchdowns and 334 passing yards, he energized an attack that was too often sluggish this season, reminding everyone what a determined quarterback can accomplish. The enthusiasm is immediate and the question is on everyone's lips: why did the Browns persist with a hesitant Watson until his injury?

The difference is obvious. Where Watson showed signs of nervousness at the slightest pressure, Winston was calm and efficient in the pocket, letting the plays develop. The attack gained fluidity, the crowd got fired up, and Cleveland regained a semblance of cohesion and combativeness.

Not everything was perfect – a few daring passes were almost intercepted – but Winston, in one game, offered the Browns tangible hope. Faced with a team that is still looking for its true leader, Winston could well be the man for the job, giving fans a reason to believe in him for the rest of the season.

Disappointment of the week: Tyreek Hill (WR), Dolphins

Among the offensive stars who are not assuming their status this season, Tyreek Hill is certainly in very good place. While he had started the year with the ambition of making history – even aiming for the record of 2,000 yards in a season – Hill was no longer able to maintain the same level of intensity. With only 30 receptions and 366 yards so far, his statistics are far from the explosive impact he had accustomed us to.

Obviously, the new absence of Tua Tagovailoa has completely changed the destiny of the All-Pro receiver's season. The Dolphins surely have the worst replacements in the league at quarterback and Tyreek Hill has never been able to shine with them, nor has his teammate Jaylen Waddle for that matter.

However, Tua Tagovailoa returned to the field this week. And despite a decent game on his part, Tyreek Hill remained rather anonymous. However, he had everything in hand to shine, especially against an affordable Cardinals defense. And as the Dolphins' season gets bogged down, its number 1 offensive star must return to his level urgently. Unless a trade not in sight?

The ranking: Jayden Daniels in the fight

1- Lamar Jackson (-) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (5-3)

8 games – 2099 yards at 66.9% completions – 17 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 115.4 rating

2- Josh Allen (-) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (6-2)

8 games – 1766 yards at 64.1% completions – 14 touchdowns, 1 interception, 107.6 rating

3- Jared Goff (-) Quarterback – Detroit Lions (6-1)

7 games – 1695 yards at 74.1% completions – 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 115.3 rating

4- Derrick Henry (-) Running Back – Baltimore Ravens (5-3)

8 games – 946 yards at 6.5 yards per carry, 9 touchdowns – 8 receptions, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns

5- Jayden Daniels (+1) Quarterback – Washington Commanders (6-2)

8 games – 1736 yards at 71.8% completions – 7 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 104.3 rating

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