We are almost halfway through the NFL season and there are a handful of MVP candidates: Tom Brady, Kareem Hunt, Todd Gurley, and Carson Wentz. Each one is worth a second look as the competition heats up and personal stats become more and more important.

It’s almost a guarantee that Tom Brady is in the MVP discussion every season. He is 40 years old and still in his prime- some would say better than ever.  His stats throughout the season are 15 TDs and 2 Ints with 2,208 yards with a QBR of 108.4. Brady is in his 18th season and is believed to be one of the greatest players of all time- and he deserves it, but that’s a different discussion. Brady lost his number one receiver in Julian Edelman at the beginning of the season, and one of his favorite targets, Rob Gronkowski, is known to be injury prone. Nevertheless, Brady still puts up amazing numbers and continues to make whoever he plays with better.

The Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had a breakout game against the defending Super Bowl champions that no one expected. Quite frankly, no one really knew who he was. Now he is the leading rusher in the NFL and in the discussion for MVP. On 124 rushing attempts Kareem Hunt has 717 rushing yards almost halfway through the season. He is part of an explosive offense that includes Tyreek Hill, Alex Smith, and Travis Kelce. If Hunt can keep it up, he will at the very least be the best RB this year.

The Rams running back Todd Gurley is the second running back included in the MVP race so far. He has 627 rushing yards on 145 attempts and is a main focus in the Rams high scoring offense. The Rams have the highest scoring offense in the league so far and it comes courtesy of Gurley’s explosiveness in the passing and rushing game. Though he is third in the league with rushing yards, there is no doubting the threat he poses to opposing defenses.

The most surprising candidate is Carson Wentz, the second year starting quarterback for the Eagles, who has been lighting up opposing defenses this whole season. Wentz leads the league in touchdowns with only 4 interceptions thrown while being 4th in passing yards and a QBR of 104. Wentz’s last season had been average, with no eye opening stats. This season has been a different story. He has developed a dual threat reputation with being able to get yards by running as well as passing. He has incredible strength and it takes a lot to get him down when he is in the pocket. He has the potential to bring the Eagles to the playoffs, as the Eagles have a 6-1 record and have an easy upcoming schedule.

There is still half of the NFL season left, plenty of time for others to make their case for MVP, but beyond any shadow of a doubt, these four elite athletes are contenders.