The NFL season is dwindling, and as we approach the fourth quarter of the most unique year ever, the league’s MVP race is nearly set in stone.

It would take absolute heroics from the rest of the field if they want a chance at catching Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

While any attempt to dethrone the king is futile, there’s still a handful of deserving candidates who need to be recognized for their respective seasons.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Last week: No. 1

There’s no need to overthink this or overexplain: Mahomes isn’t just the best player on the field. He’s the most valuable, most integral part of Kansas City’s offense.

His mind-blowing year reached its pinnacle Sunday in the 27-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The score is a little misleading here because there was never a doubt Mahomes and company would come out victorious. If we look at just this game, the numbers truly speak for themselves: Mahomes had a whopping 359 passing yards in the first half. He finished 37-of-49 passing for a season-best 462 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Another MVP trophy and Vince Lombardi trophy for the unicorn that is Mahomes, please.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Last week: No. 2

Some have Aaron Rodgers in this spot, and while the Green Bay Packers quarterback has made a convincing argument to be second to Mahomes, there’s another passer doing more with less.

The Seattle Seahawks almost always get in their own way and by extension quarterback Russell Wilson’s way. Wilson, however, transcends all of that and remains one of the most consistent and trustworthy passers in the league. Sure, he can get a little overzealous and compensate for the Seahawks’ woes, which led to a string of turnover-heavy games in November. But Seattle would be a hapless team without him.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Last week: No. 3

Rodgers has been on a tear and for the bulk of the season, even when he was without some of his top targets. Rodgers is playing at an elite level—which isn’t surprising for the two-time MVP.

He’s putting out more than just a good product; Rodgers is having fun on the gridiron and that has been the most exciting part of his game this season. Well, it’s that and his numbers: Rodgers has 33 touchdowns on the season and an 85.3 quarterback rating. His ball security has been superb as well. He only has six turnovers and is coming off his fifth game with four touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week: No. 4

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to finish last season .500 without their starting quarterback. Now, with Ben Roethlisberger back in the fold, they’re perfect.

The Steelers might not be the best team but they have the best record as Week 12 wraps up Wednesday, and Roethlisberger’s return from a season-ending injury is arguably the only reason why when you consider the defensive pieces they already had last season. Head coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh’s in-your-face defense both help, but Roethlisberger’s efforts—2,534 passing yards and a 24:5 touchdown:interception ratio—have been key to the team’s success this season.

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Last week: No. 5

We’re going to put some respect on the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen. His improvement in Year 3 and the Bills almost quietly holding on to the fourth seed in the AFC playoff picture are enough to keep Allen in this discussion. He’s not perfect and is still unpredictable on game days, but he’s resourceful enough to get Buffalo to an 8-3 record.

Dark Horse Candidates

Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings: This may be a quarterback race, but there are a handful of skill players that have been pivotal in their team’s success—or attempt at success. For the Minnesota Vikings, it’s running back Dalvin Cook. Everyone held their collective breath when he exited Sunday’s game with an apparent right leg injury. Cook was able to return and shouldn’t miss any time going forward. While he had one of his lowest outputs of the season this past weekend, he continues to lead the league in rushing touchdowns (13) and is a big threat in the passing game with an NFL-high 1,385 yards from scrimmage.

Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans: Sure, the Tennessee Titans have last season’s Comeback Player of the Year under center; but what makes this team so dangerous is the 1-2 punch of quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry. There is almost no stopping Henry, who leads the NFL in carries (256) and rushing yards (1,257) for the second consecutive year. He’s averaging 114.3 yards per game, which is good for another league-best, and the reason why the Titans have the third-best rushing offense.