Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy are Finalists for the 2023 MVP Award

Having one player named as a finalist for NFL MVP on a team is impressive.

But having TWO players named is extraordinarily rare and phenomenal. That is exactly what the 49ers have after Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy were named finalists for the 2023 NFL MVP award.

McCaffrey has been in the MVP conversation since October, while Purdy had started to look like the runaway candidate until Week 16 versus the Ravens. The fact that both players were mentioned goes to show that their 2023 season was nothing short of stellar. With two of them named as a finalist, at least one of them has to win it right? Well it won't be easy. The other finalists named for MVP are Cowboys' Dak Prescott, Bills' Josh Allen, and Ravens' Lamar Jackson.

As it stands, Jackson appears to be the likely winner for the award. There's no way Prescott will win it and Allen has a slight chance. Purdy has a bit of a case, but I think McCaffrey brings a stronger one to the table. There are various reasons for why he does, but ultimately why I believe so is because McCaffrey was also named a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year award. He has momentum on his side and total acknowledgement that he was a vastly electric player this year.

McCaffrey put up over 2,000 total yards and 21 touchdowns. As superb as his stats were, they still do not do him justice as to how much he impacts the 49ers' offense. There is so much he does off the ball and when he is not the designated player that he influences so much of what happens. He deserves to win at least one of the awards and you could argue he should win both too.

I envision Jackson winning the MVP award. That became clear after the Ravens beat the 49ers on Christmas, while McCaffrey will win the Offensive Player of the Year award.