clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Russell Wilson looks to close MVP race on Monday Night Football

Lamar Jackson is probably going to dominate MVP balloting, but Russell Wilson has a chance to make things at least a little bit interesting in Week 13 on Monday Night Football.

Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 24, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

One week ago, the Baltimore Ravens were set to square off against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, and quarterback Lamar Jackson was even money (+100) to win the MVP award. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had a decent but quiet performance in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles and slipped a bit in the rankings. Jackson then put together a masterful performance in prime time to improve to -230 in DraftKing Sportsbook’s MVP odds.

We’re back a week later with Jackson coming off a solid but relatively understated performance and Wilson set to play in prime time. Jackson and the Ravens beat the 49ers 20-17 on a last second Justin Tucker field goal. Jackson finished the day with 105 passing yards and a touchdown along with 101 rushing yards and a touchdown. He had a dominant first half, and then did just enough in the second half to help lead the Ravens to victory.

Today, the Seahawks host the Minnesota Vikings to close out Week 13, with significant playoff implications on the line. The Seahawks and Vikings are the top two teams in the wild card race and both in the thick of their own divisional races. A Vikings win keeps Minnesota tied with the Packers atop the NFC North. A Seahawks win would move Seattle into first place in the NFC West as well as the top seed in the NFC thanks to the 49ers loss in Baltimore.

Heading into MNF, Jackson saw his MVP odds improve a sliver from -230 to -250. Wilson entered Sunday with +300 MVP odds, but now enters Monday at +275. He won’t overcome Jackson this week, and barring a complete meltdown, likely won’t the rest of the season. But a strong performance in prime time would move him at least a little closer and maybe keep the discussion a little bit interesting heading into the final four weeks of the season.