NFL 2017/18: Top 5 MVP candidates after week 10

#2 Alex Smith, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs (6-3)

Alex Smith

Rest assured no one will be calling Alex Smith a "game manager" after what he has been able to do so far this season. After he torched the New England Patriots in Week 1, his stellar performance was regarded by many as a fluke. While the Chiefs, who started the season 5-0, have lost three of their last four games, Smith has proven time and time again that that performance was no fluke.

Smith's career-high passing touchdown total in a season is 23, a total he recorded four years ago in 2013. Through nine games so far this season, he has already thrown for 18 touchdowns on 2,444 yards, while giving just one interception. While not generally perceived as a running threat, he has done a nice job on the ground this season, running for 173 yards and a touchdown. What's that about "game manager"?