QB Stock Market Week 15: The MVP Candidate No One Talks About

The MVP race is shaping up around the NFL’s top four quarterbacks. But there are so many good and complex storylines developing at the position across the NFL: QBs with new life, QBs with a dying future, QBs without an answer. So let’s dive in.

In these rankings, I’m focused on monitoring the fluctuations of a QB’s performance throughout the season. No one — not even Drake Maye — is safe at the top. No one — not even Kirk Cousins — is stuck at the bottom. There is room for quick ascent — and rapid decline. One question holds most important: What have you done for your team lately?

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Will the Vikings run it back with J.J. McCarthy as their starter in 2026? (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

When you look at the passing numbers — 144 passing yards and an interception — it’s hard to believe that this was the type of win that could make the organization believe he’s The Guy. And maybe it didn’t. But it was the type of win that probably bought Shough another year. Given his draft status (40th overall), the progress Shough has made and the raw tools he has as a thrower, he will almost certainly go into next year as New Orleans' starting QB.

Now, does that have a bit to do with what else is out there? Sure. Fernando Mendoza is a fun prospect, but he’s not up to par with Cam Ward, much less the top of the 2024 class that stunned the NFL. The Saints don’t need to spend a high pick (or trade a package to move up) when Shough is clearly worth more due diligence.

Shough does have a bit of Jalen Hurts to him. He rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns against Tampa, after all. Who knows if that style of play earns him a second contract under coach Kellen Moore?