How we pick the Game MVP
The NFL does not name an MVP for each regular season game, so Gridiron Final picks one with a single public formula. Every player on the winning team earns points from the box score, and the highest total wins. If a game ends in a tie, players on both teams are eligible.
| Category | Stat | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Passing | Per yard | 0.04 |
| Passing | Touchdown | 4 |
| Passing | Interception thrown | -2 |
| Rushing | Per yard | 0.1 |
| Rushing | Touchdown | 6 |
| Receiving | Per yard | 0.1 |
| Receiving | Touchdown | 6 |
| Receiving | Reception | 0.5 |
| Ball security | Fumble lost | -2 |
| Defense | Tackle | 0.5 |
| Defense | Sack | 4 |
| Defense | Tackle for loss | 1 |
| Defense | Pass defended | 1.5 |
| Defense | Quarterback hit | 1 |
| Defense | Interception | 6 |
| Defense | Per interception return yard | 0.05 |
| Defense | Defensive touchdown | 6 |
| Returns | Per return yard | 0.04 |
| Returns | Touchdown | 6 |
| Kicking | Per point scored | 0.75 |
Why these numbers
Passing yards count for less than rushing and receiving yards because a quarterback throws for far more of them, and passing touchdowns count for less because the receiver shares the credit. Sacks and interceptions score high because they usually end a drive. Tackles score low because a high tackle count can also mean a defense spent a long time on the field.
What the formula misses
A box score cannot see a perfect block, a coverage that took away the first read, or a clutch throw on third down. Offensive linemen therefore cannot win, and quarterbacks win often. Treat the pick as a data-driven summary and a starting point for an argument, not as the last word. It is not an official NFL award.