[tyecopeland]

From the athletic

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (109 points)
— It’s so close between Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. You could even throw Micah Parsons into the conversation. But none of them lost the player who could be offensive player of the year like Mahomes did with Tyreek Hill. Mahomes has brought out the best in the players around him, which is what an MVP is supposed to do. — Dan Pompei, senior NFL writer

— He’s the best, most important player on the NFL’s best statistical offense, playing for a team that wins in spite of the things Mahomes cannot control (Kansas City ranks 31st, ahead of only Detroit, in combined EPA on defense/special teams). — Mike Sando, senior NFL writer

— When the Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill, it was a bet on Mahomes’ superhuman abilities, that he could elevate inferior talent and win. So? The Chiefs are 6-2, and Mahomes leads the league in passing touchdowns. He’s the best there is. — Jim Ayello, senior NFL editor

— Mahomes has been so great for so long that he can be taken for granted at times. But he continues to produce at an extraordinary level, leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Mahomes is the best player in the league while leading a Super Bowl favorite. This isn’t a vote that requires much deliberation. — Dan Duggan, Giants beat writer

— Put him on any team in the league and he’d make that team a contender and better than any other one player could make that team. His numbers back up his MVP status, but the way he does it takes it to another level. He’s the most entertaining player in the game. — Jon Machota, Cowboys reporter

— The Chiefs have done a better job than I thought they would of adjusting to the loss of Tyreek Hill. Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, and his extreme competitiveness pushes the Chiefs forward. — Vic Tafur, Raiders beat writer

— His arm is lethal. His legs are a weapon. He succeeds in so many ways. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer

— He’s clutch and he’s creative. Aside from Travis Kelce, that Chiefs offense is entirely different than the one that won the Super Bowl three years ago. Mahomes, however, looks the same. — Matt Barrows, 49ers beat writer

— MVPs will their teams to victory, and that is what Mahomes has done, particularly Sunday night against the Titans. — Daniel Popper, Chargers beat writer