“He’s just so different” – NFL executives, GMs have Patrick Mahomes firmly at top of MVP ladder heading into Week 16

Patrick Mahomes might be in line to win his second NFL MVP award in five seasons as a starter. He has stiff competition in Jalen Hurts, but a recent shoulder injury has opened the door for Mahomes to win the award.

According to NFL.com, most executives around the league believe Mahomes should be the MVP, even over a healthy Hurts. One AFC executive said:

“Why not? He’s the best quarterback in the league. Hurts is having a great year. [Mahomes] has got 35 touchdown [passes]. They win. They’ve got a lot of weapons, but he’s just so different.”

Another AFC executive added:

"The games when he is really on it, they're unbeatable. And it's him. You could argue Hurts and Allen, but whatever receivers they roll into K.C., he makes it work."

For many, Hurts is having an exceptional year and is a breakout star, but he's not Mahomes. Most advanced metrics lean towards Mahomes, as do many of the traditional statistics.

It can also be argued that Mahomes has far less help to work with. Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders would most likely start for Kansas City and put up incredible numbers.

Both A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith would be the clear top wide receiver on the Chiefs roster, too. Mahomes does have Travis Kelce, but Dallas Goedert is a great tight end as well.

It likely doesn't matter if Hurts misses any time (which he's expected to this week), but a game or two could be a huge difference to MVP voters.

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Current NFL MVP odds: Is Patrick Mahomes the favorite?

Prior to Hurts' injury, he had been the favorite for most of the year. Patrick Mahomes was a bit behind though he continued to put up gaudy numbers.

Patrick Mahomes has been sensational this season

Legal Sports Report lists Mahomes as the favorite on many sites. Here's what DraftKings looks like right now:

• Patrick Mahomes -310
• Hurts +380
• Josh Allen +900
• Joe Burrow +900
• Tua Tagovailoa +1300

It appears to be Mahomes' award to lose now. Even without the injury, it would have been difficult for Hurts to keep the Chiefs star at arm's length the rest of the way.