Statistics: 125 of 166 for 1,404 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions, 322 rushing yards, four touchdowns

For now, it's fun to plan a rookie MVP run for Daniels. He didn't give up on competing against last year's MVP in Week 6. In a 30-23 loss to the Ravens, he rushed for 269 yards on 24-for-35 play with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

However, if he wants to have a chance, he needs to improve his passing performance and pick up a few crucial wins down the home stretch.

At his current pace, Daniels is on pace to graduate with 3,978 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. On the ground, he is expected to gain 912 yards with 11 touchdowns.

That's more total touchdowns (38) than Jackson had last season (29), but the Baltimore star also benefited from a field of prospects that wasn't as productive as usual.

That is not the case this year. Jackson is on pace to post even bigger numbers than last season, and Patrick Mahomes continues to build the Chiefs' offense despite serious injuries to several receivers.

With the lessons we can learn from these former rookies and MVPs, Daniels must continue to excel, finish the season strong and lead the Commanders to at least 11-12 wins to have a real chance of winning the MVP Trophy.