Early XFL MVP candidates
March 14, 2023 / By Brayden Nazarian
Looking at the early favorites for the XFL MVP award.
After four weeks, the top players in the league have begun to separate themselves. Is it too early to dive into MVP predictions? Maybe. But, we're going to do it anyway.
QB Ben DiNucci
Seattle Sea Dragons
To this point, no quarterback has been better than Ben DiNucci. He currently leads the XFL in completions, attempts, passing yards and completion percentage. DiNucci has also thrown eight touchdowns and converted 52 first downs through the air.
The only knocks against DiNucci are A) his team is just 2-2 despite his success, and B) he benefits from having the best receiving duo in the league (Jahcour Pearson and Josh Gordon). Still, he's been dealing and the Sea Dragons are getting hot after an 0-2 start. If he keeps things going, DiNucci will stay in the MVP conversation throughout the season.
WR Jahcour Pearson
Seattle Sea Dragons
Coincidentally, this candidate catches passes from Ben DiNucci. Sea Dragons' WR Jahcour Pearson has been on a tear to start the season, as he leads all receivers in targets, receptions and receiving yards. He also has 18 first-down receptions and six receptions of 20+ yards.
In a crowded receiving room, Pearson has done nothing but produce. Those who follow the NFL know it's rare for a receiver to be mentioned for the MVP award, but XFL fans think Pearson has a legitimate shot. To better his chances, he'll need to add more touchdowns to his resume, as he only has one so far. Once he does that, there will be nothing left to prove he doesn't belong in the MVP race.
QB Brandon Silvers
Houston Roughnecks
The only quarterback that can compete with Ben DiNucci for the MVP award--for now--is Brandon Silvers. He's been the driving force behind the Houston Roughnecks' high-flying offense, throwing for 962 yards (2nd) and 10 touchdowns (1st). He also has a league-high of 18 completions over 20+ yards, and ranks second in both completions and attempts.
It's pretty clear Silvers has been one of the best quarterbacks in the XFL so far. His Roughnecks are undefeated through four games and they don't seem to be slowing down at all. It feels like Silvers will be DiNucci's biggest quarterback threat to the MVP award if he continues to play as well as he has. He'll certainly be tested these next few weeks, as Houston takes on Seattle and the also undefeated D.C. Defenders back-to-back.Â
Images courtesy of the XFL
