Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott is now the favorite to win MVP, even over the likes of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Elliott has had a monster season, tallying 1,005 yards and nine touchdowns on a 5.1 per-carry average while the Cowboys have won eight straight. He even rushed for the game-winning score in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Kevin Duffy of MassLive, Elliott has moved into MVP-favorite territory:
Ezekiel Elliott now the MVP favorite, per @BovadaLV. Tom Brady second.
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) November 16, 2016
Elliott is just what the Cowboys hoped he’d be when they took him fourth overall in the 2016 draft. Running behind the league’s best line or not, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano made a strong arguement for Elliott as MVP:
But neither Elliott nor anyone else should sell him short as a runner. He also carried with him into Sunday’s action a league-leading 396 yards after first contact. He has the ability to shed tackles and maintain his momentum. He has the ability to separate from pursuers in the open field. He’s strong enough as a pass protector that the Cowboys don’t have to take him off the field on third downs. They also view him as a strong receiver, though they haven’t used his receiving skills much.
The award usually goes to quarterbacks. Elliott, though, continues to make his case as the best running back in the league on the team with arguably the most remarkable turnaround and storyline.
Right now, those who want to bet on MVP odds can’t go wrong with Elliott. A quarterback might end up winning it, but ignoring Elliott’s push would be unwise.
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