Super Bowl LIX MVP contenders assessed: Will Patrick Mahomes win for the fourth time?

The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will lock horns on Sunday evening for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the title of world champions in Super Bowl LIX.

But also up for grabs will be the Super Bowl MVP title, which will be given to the game’s most outstanding player. With a host of exciting individuals on each side, the competition will be fierce. 

DAZN News takes a look at the leading candidates to win the prize, plus outsiders from each team that are worth keeping an eye on when the action heats up in New Orleans. 

Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs quarterback

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The obvious starting point for any pre-match MVP conversation. 

Mahomes has pocketed this MVP award in each of the Chiefs three Super Bowl wins this decade, and if Kansas City manage to achieve their three-peat, the smart money will be on Mahomes getting the nod again. 

Quarterbacks are often the default winners of this award and have won seven of the last ten to be handed out, so if the Chiefs win and Mahomes doesn’t get the award, it’s likely to mean one of his teammates has put in a record-breaking performance. 

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Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles running back

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A running back hasn’t been named MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998, when the Denver Broncos star enjoyed a season that looked remarkably similar to the campaign that Saquon Barkley has just had. 

Davis had become the first 2,000-yard rusher to make the Super Bowl, something that was not repeated until Barkley’s exploits this season, with the Eagles running back closing in on Davis’ combined regular season and playoff rushing record. 

If Barkley powers the Eagles to victory, and chucks in any of his trademark 60+ yard touchdown runs, expect him to land the award. 

Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

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This will be Jalen Hurts’ second Super Bowl and in his first he put up MVP-level numbers, throwing for more than 3,000 yards and a touchdown, while also running for three scores. 

The Eagles QB has been used more conservatively this season, with the Philadelphia gameplan seeing the team lean on their running game and strong defense, but if the Chiefs put Hurts in a position where he has to make things happen, we know he has the playmaking skills to do it. 

Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs tight end

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We’re into the longer shots now and if Travis Kelce was able to land the award, it would be because he has delivered in a big moment. We know he is Mahomes’ favourite target but Kelce’s big games are becoming fewer and further between. 

But if Kelce is able to break the 100-yard barrier and haul in a couple of touchdowns, including a game-winner, the voters may be swayed. 

• Read next | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Which team has the best receiving unit ahead of Super Bowl LIX?

Xavier Worthy - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver

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A rookie has never won the Super Bowl MVP, but if Chiefs first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy continues his trend of being Mahomes’ newfound favourite deep threat and producing some game-turning plays, he will be in contention for the award. 

Chris Jones - Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle/Jalen Carter - Philadelphia defensive tackle

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The last defensive Super Bowl MVP was Broncos linebacker Von Miller nine years ago, so what are the chances we see another winner on that side of the ball?

Given the big names on both offenses, it’s a long shot, but Jones and Carter are two of the most disruptive defensive players in the NFL. Should Jones lead a defensive effort that stuffs Barkley at the line and puts the shackles on Barkley, his name will enter the conversation, likewise if Carter can put the shackles on Mahomes. 

• Read next | Super Bowl LIX: The biggest pre-match storylines ahead of Philadelphia Eagles vs Kansas City Chiefs 

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