Baker Mayfield Is now the clear-cut MVP favorite after Buccaneers win over 49ers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the San Francisco 49ers 30-19 to improve to 5-1, tying the best six-game start in franchise history.

Baker Mayfield continued to perform at an MVP level, throwing for 256 yards and two touchdowns while completing 73.9% of his passes and posting a season-high 139.7 passer rating with zero turnovers. 

He also delivered a highlight 15-yard scramble on 3rd-and-14 to keep a crucial drive alive before connecting with rookie Tez Johnson for the first touchdown of his career.

The most impressive aspect of Mayfield’s performance was that he did it without his usual supporting cast. The Buccaneers entered the game without star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr., as well as fellow wideout Jalen McMillan, starting running back Bucky Irving, right guard Cody Mauch, and right tackle Luke Goedeke.

If that wasn’t enough, rookie standout Emeka Egbuka, who has been Mayfield’s most reliable target this season, left the game early with a hamstring injury.

Even with the string of injuries, Mayfield led his offense to 30 points in a statement win. With the victory, the Buccaneers now own the NFC’s best record, hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over San Francisco, and set up a Week 7 showdown with the Detroit Lions for the conference’s top seed next week.

Leading that kind of offensive effort in such a crucial game while missing his top four receivers and multiple linemen can’t be ignored. Mayfield has continuously been asked to carry this Buccaneers team, and he’s answered the call every time.

After his latest heroic performance, Mayfield feels like a shoo-in for the NFL MVP award through six games. If he keeps playing at this level, he has a legitimate chance to become the first player in franchise history to earn the honor.