MVP odds: 3/1
Why he could win: After the 2018 NFL Draft, you could have probably gotten good odds that Lamar Jackson would be the first of the five first-round quarterbacks drafted to join the MVP conversation, but that's where we stand halfway through the 2019 season.
Beyond the statistics, Jackson's ability as both a rusher and a passer adds a new dimension to the Ravens offense that forces opposing defenses to play off its back foot, as was evident in their dismantling of New England in Week 9.
With games against the Texans, Rams, and 49ers still on the horizon, Jackson will get his shot at a few more of the best teams in the NFL. If he can keep his play up through those tough tests, Jackson will likely end the season as the MVP favorite.