Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson could have a decent shot to win NFL MVP.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, who has dogged the Texans’ offense this offseason, has broken up the 260 NFL players into nine tiers. Watson falls in the “QBs on rookie deals” category along with recognizable names such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and even Joe Burrow.
My favorite from this group: Watson. Although Watson will likely graduate to another section by signing an extension before the season begins, the Houston star has the sort of upside I’m looking for in an MVP candidate. The Texans traded away his star receiver when they sent DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals, but Watson’s offense is still deep at receiver and should be better along the offensive line now that left tackle Laremy Tunsil will have a full year in this scheme. The Texans also have continuity in their offensive coaching staff and are contenders in a wide-open AFC South.
If Watson were able to lead a horrendous Texans offense devoid of weapons, at least in Barnwell’s summation, to double-digit victories in 2020, that would be cause to vote him league MVP.
As has been discussed, winning NFL MVP isn’t as easy as just piling up wins. Not only would the Texans have to be one of the best three teams in football, but Watson would have to be the unquestioned best at his position that season, which isn’t always as easy as playing at a career-best. If Watson is playing at the highest level for his career, but recent winner such as Patrick Mahomes is also playing at a high level, voters will be more inclined to go with the established winner.
There really is only one MVP award that Texans fans and probably Watson himself care about, and it’s handed out at the end of the Super Bowl, not the day before at the annual NFL Honors.
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