Rice addresses Purdy, McCaffrey MVP debate

Former San Francisco 49ers player Jerry Rice. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Rice addresses Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey MVP debate

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/19/23

San Francisco 49ers icon Jerry Rice isn't yet willing to name his pick for NFL Most Valuable Player between 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey.

"I think both guys," Rice said regarding the debate during an appearance on "The Warner House" podcast, as shared by David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "... I don't see us winning a championship without Brock Purdy. I don't see us winning a championship without CMC (McCaffrey). So, I don't know how this is going to unfold, but I think both guys really deserve that."

Future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, 49ers tight end George Kittle and living legend Tom Brady are among noteworthy members of the NFL community who have made it known they'd vote for McCaffrey to win MVP over Purdy.

According to StatMuse, McCaffrey ended Week 15 leading the NFL with 1,801 total offensive yards from scrimmage, 1,292 rushing yards and 20 offensive touchdowns (tied with Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins) for the season.

To compare, ESPN stats show that Purdy began Tuesday leading the league among qualified signal-callers with 29 passing touchdowns, a 76.0 adjusted QBR, a 119.0 passer rating and an average of 9.9 yards per pass attempt.

No non-quarterback has won MVP since Adrian Peterson earned the honor for the 2012 season. As of early Tuesday evening, oddschecker listed Purdy as the betting favorite at around -200/-225 odds to win the award. McCaffrey's odds ranged from +550 to +1200 at that same time.

Much has been made this season about Purdy allegedly being a "game manager" who largely benefits from playing alongside superstar offensive talents such as McCaffrey. Voters may intentionally or accidentally show they agree with such takes if they select McCaffrey over Purdy considering recent history suggests MVP is now a "quarterback award."

The 11-3 49ers next host the 11-3 Baltimore Ravens on Christmas night. It's possible that Purdy, McCaffrey or Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson could essentially end MVP conversations with an outstanding performance in front of a prime-time television audience.

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