The NFL MVP race got very interesting with the terrible, season-ending injury to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. Before tearing his ACL Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, Wentz was viewed as one of the favorites to win the award, along with Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.
One of his old teammates thinks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers should be strongly considered for the MVP award, too. Jacob Hester, a former NFL running back who played with Rivers when the Chargers still played in San Diego, is campaigning (complete with the hashtag #MVPR17) for his former teammate to win.
I’m starting a @nfl MVP Campaign of my own. Complete with its own hashtag of course. Let’s ride! #MVPR17 pic.twitter.com/aZZn3AOmEu
— Jacob Hester (@JacobHester18) December 11, 2017
Statistically, Rivers isn’t too far off from the likes of Wilson and Brady. He’s completing 62.8 percent of his passes for 3,611 yards (No. 4 in the league) with 23 touchdowns (No. 5) and just seven interceptions. Since throwing three interceptions in Week 3, Rivers has thrown 19 touchdowns and just three picks, so he’s clearly playing at a high level.
Even better, Rivers has his team winning of late. The Chargers have rattled off four straight wins, and they now are tied with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West (7-6) with three games left to play. Considering Los Angeles’ 0-4 start, that’s quite remarkable.
If they do make the playoffs, then Rivers should at least be in the conversation, to be sure.