With the start of the 2021 NFL season right around the corner, there’s bound to be some new faces entering next season’s MVP race. With a ton of players set to bounce back from major injuries, there will undoubtedly be a deeper MVP race during the 2021 NFL season. Be it new faces or old, the battle for NFL MVP is always an exciting competition.

Especially with so many superstars expected to be back at full strength this upcoming season. Now that so many changes have taken place across the league, there’s bound to be a few superstars having breakout seasons in 2021. Having said all of this, let’s checkout three dark horse MVP candidates for the 2021 NFL season, ranked.

NFL MVP darkhorses:

3. Jameis Winston

Looking to win the Saints quarterback competition against Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston has had a strong showing during the 2021 NFL preseason. With his latest performance, Winston is stating his case as the next Saints quarterback who will be able to take the mantle from Drew Brees. If Winston can keep this level of productivity and continue to put up big numbers throughout the season, then he very well could find himself in the MVP race next season.

It wasn’t that long ago that Winston had a 5,000 yard season where he threw for over 30 touchdowns, and yes he did throw almost as many interceptions, but playing under head coach Sean Payton will make him a more efficient passer and help him to develop a better overall feel for the game. Jameis Winston is on course to prove all the haters wrong and resurrect his career with a new and improved game in New Orleans, and given how much progress he’s already made, it may not be long before he’s a finalist in the MVP race.