Christian McCaffrey joins Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye, and Matthew Stafford as finalists for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award. McCaffrey is the first player ever named a finalist for three AP awards in one year, also up for Offensive and Comeback Player of the Year. Winners are announced at 'NFL Honors' on Feb. 5.

The finalists were selected by a 50-member media panel before the playoffs began. Allen, the reigning MVP, led Buffalo to a seventh straight playoff appearance. Lawrence guided Jacksonville to a 13-win season and an AFC South title. Maye and Stafford both led their teams deep into the postseason, with Maye's Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

McCaffrey's unique triple nomination underscores his historic dual-threat season for the injury-plagued 49ers, who won 12 games. The MVP race highlights a season defined by elite quarterback play and one running back's exceptional all-around contribution. The winners will be revealed during the Super Bowl week festivities.