The latest episode of “The Athletic Football Show” focuses on an unlikely MVP contender who refuses to fall back in the ongoing race.

Shaheed joins the Seattle receiver room that includes arguably the best receiver in the game right now, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He leads the league with 948 receiving yards through eight games. Now quarterback Sam Darnold has another key target.

Seattle's blowout of the Washington Commanders on Sunday night was a clinic by Darnold and also featured a swarming, attacking defense that ranks fifth in the league in scoring (18.8 points allowed per game) and is tied for third in sacks (27).

I think when it comes to MVP, and I have to clarify that I do have a vote, the first thing is the MVP vote does not include the postseason, which I wish it would, but there's a timing thing with the NFL honors and the Super Bowl and all that.

Seattle got exceptional performances from their MVP candidate quarterback, their Offensive Player of the Year favorite and an undrafted DB.

Sam Darnold is having a half to remember for the Seahawks after throwing 4 touchdown passes against the Commanders on SNF.

According to the latest report from The Athletic’s Michael Silver, it sounds like McCarthy and Darnold’s lack of a relationship had an impact on what Minnesota decided to do. According to the reporter, the two Vikings quarterbacks didn't exactly have a good relationship.