Marshawn Lynch enters the ‘MVP Watch’ conversation

Sep 15, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 29-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Marshawn Lynch has entered the conversation as an MVP contender, according to Dan Graziano’s MVP Watch on ESPN.com.

Lynch, who is third in the league with 410 rushing yards, averages 4.3 yards per rush and has three rushing touchdowns so far this season.

He is ranked No. 8 by Graziano, who had Russell Wilson in his Top 10 last week. In regards to the two, Graziano had this to say:

"…The Watch loves Russell Wilson and thinks he’s a winner of the highest order. And if the Seahawks finish with the NFC’s best record, Wilson is almost certain to be their MVP. But Wilson is in timeout this week because his numbers aren’t MVP numbers and the Seahawks lost, and Lynch is the kind of guy who should get mentioned on a list like this because he’s a dirty-work monster who can make his cuts off either leg and can’t be killed with conventional weapons."

The No. 1 player on Graziano’s list is Broncos QB Peyton Manning, who is having a career year. Manning has completed over 75 percent of his passes for 1,884 yards and 20 touchdowns after just five games.

The top NFC player on the list is Saints QB Drew Brees at No. 2. He has thrown for 1,722 yards and 12 touchdowns while leading the Saints to a perfect 5-0 start.

The highest-ranked running back on the list is Lynch.

Lynch is a big reason the Seahawks have run for 159 yards per game this season, second only to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his seven-year career, he has rushed for over 6,500 yards and 49 TDs while averaging 4.2 yards per carry on the ground.

Statistically, his best year was last season with the Seahawks, when he rushed for 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns on 315 carries.