Does the NFL MVP Award include playoff stats in the voting process? Exploring the criteria for the MVP Award

The NFL does not include playoff stats in the MVP award voting. The reason is that the NFL MVP Award is given to the most valuable player of the regular season rather than the postseason. As such, no matter how phenomenal a player's postseason performance is, it is unlikely to affect his MVP award vote.

However, it is important to note that the NFL MVP award, like other MVP awards in American sports, is voted for by human beings. As such, the human factor could play a minimal part as voters aren't mandated to give their reasons for casting their votes for a player.

There are a few factors that go into a player stepping on the MVP award podium, much more winning it. Here, we will explain the criteria for the prestigious award.

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The Criteria for the NFL MVP Award

The MVP award is given to the best player in the National Football League. This award has been jokingly called the Most Valuable Quarterback Award, as no non-QB has won it since 2012 when running back Adrian Peterson did.

But unlike what the public might want you to believe, being a quarterback is not a criterion for being the NFL MVP. Two defensive players have indeed won the award back in the day.

The main criteria for winning the NFL MVP award are simple: be the best player in a given season and the award is yours. Just glance at the last couple of MVPs in the NFL, and you'll see that they play for league beaters. Football is a team sport, and a true MVP has to lead his team to regular-season excellence.

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Who is the betting favorite to win the 2023 NFL MVP award?

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (-1400)

2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+900)

3. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+1500)

4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+1600)

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Who are the last 10 recipients of the NFL MVP award?

The MVP award has had some illustrious winners over the years. Here are the last 10 players to snag the prestigious award.

1. 2021 - Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

2. 2020 - Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

3. 2019 - Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens

4. 2018 - Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs

5. 2017 - Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots

6. 2016 - Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons

7. 2015 - Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers

8. 2014 - Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

9. 2013 - Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos

10. 2012 - Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings