The XFL is officially two weeks old, so it’s time to take a look at the early frontrunners for MVP honors. The league has a few players that are clearly superior to the rest, but who really stands out in this developmental league? We’re only two weeks into the season, so this could obviously change in a hurry. However, based on everything we’ve seen so far, these five players have the best odds of taking home the hardware.
XFL MVP Candidates: Week 2 Edition
XFL MVP Frontrunner: Cardale Jones
Cardale Jones used to be one of the biggest stars in college football, and now he’s one of the biggest stars in the XFL. The Ohio State product has played tremendously over the first two weeks of the season while leading the DC Defenders to a 2-0 record. Last week, Jones completed 23 of his 37 passing attempts for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He probably could have done even more damage had the Defenders not smothered Matt McGloin and the New York Guardians offense all day long. Right now, the battle for MVP is a two-horse race, with Jones narrowly getting the edge for now.
2. P.J. Walker
After two weeks, P.J. Walker leads the XFL with seven touchdown passes. This is a surprising development for the former Indianapolis Colts practice squadder, as he’s looked like one of the best quarterbacks in a league devoid of competent passers. While his yards-per-attempt won’t set the world on fire, he takes good care of the ball, has a knack for finding the endzone, and adds a dangerous element with his legs.
3. Jordan Ta’amu
Jordan Ta’amu isn’t quite on the same level as Jones and Walker, but he’s easily the third-best quarterback in the XFL. After a relatively pedestrian performance in Week 1, the former Ole Miss product completed 30 of his 37 passing attempts for 284 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He almost pulled off a furious comeback against the Houston Roughnecks, but the defense couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain. It should be fascinating to watch him continue to grow as the season progresses.
4. Cam Phillips
Cam Phillips knows how to get in the endzone. Last week, Phillips was the key piece of Houston’s passing attack, recording eight receptions for 63 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns all while powering arguably the best offense in the XFL. This was no one-week fluke either, as Phillips recorded four receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown in the season opener. Don’t be surprised if you see Phillips fighting for a spot on an NFL roster come September.
5. Nelson Spruce
One of the only good things about the Los Angeles Wildcats is wide receiver Nelson Spruce. The Colorado product was just about the only positive element for LA in Week 2, hauling in six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns, essentially powering the Wildcats passing attack all by himself. One week earlier, Spruce went off to the tune of 103 yards on 11 catches from backup quarterback Philip Nelson. Despite playing on an 0-2 team, it’s hard to think of any non-quarterback who means more to their offense than Spruce.
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