Tua Tagovailoa considered retirement over the offseason. Boundless ability can take a backseat to a need for self-preservation. The Miami Dolphins quarterback endured three concussions last season, one of which led to the league altering its concussion protocol, and was hospitalized once.

Three weeks into this season, Tagovailoa is healthy (along with wealthy and wise). What's more, he's the NFL's premier QB — and, by default, the frontrunner for Most Valuable Player.

He produced astounding numbers against Denver: 70 points scored by the offense, 726 yards gained, 16-for-16 passing in the first half. Tagovailoa closed the book with 309 air yards and four touchdowns, highlighted by sleight of hand that would make Patrick Mahomes jealous. He flipped a no-look shovel pass with his off (right) hand for a four-yard TD.

Tagovailoa is blessed with playmakers, none more welcome than receiver Tyreek Hill, and offensively creative head coach Mike McDaniel. There was no shortage of skeptics during the offseason about his football future, and he devoted it to a physical makeover — a new diet, more muscle, jiu-jitsu instruction.

He also practiced how to safely hit the turf to avoid additional head injuries. This season, he is falling properly — while concurrently rising to the top of the QB heap.

Here is our ranking of starting quarterbacks, accompanied by each player's MVP odds if applicable, a QB2 rating that indicates how much a team's power rating is downgraded if the starter is out, and projected fantasy points per game.

Which QB offers the best value in the MVP race? And which signal-callers are on the rise? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 4 QB Power Rankings from veteran writer Mike Tierney, including how to bet when injuries strike and SportsLine projections for all 32 starters!