We're still only three weeks into the NBA season. But, it's been another very important week for NBA teams and stars. While some stars have nERD, it's a player ranking that measures the total contribution of a player throughout the course of a season, based on their efficiency. The league average is 0. Comparable to win shares, this ranking gives an estimate of how many games above or below .500 a league-average team would win with that player as one of their starters.

With that, let's take a look at the current MVP front-runners.

T4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Last week: Unranked

He may be 36 years old, but On Tuesday against the Kings, in maybe his most impressive performance of this season, Dirk led his Mavs to a great comeback win on the back of his 23 points and 7 rebounds. The way he did it though was even more impressive. Dirk scored his 23 points on 7 of 12 shooting, 2 of 3 from three, and 7 of 8 from the free throw line. He was extremely efficient as he led his team to victory - something I'm sure we'll be repeating as the year goes on.

This week's matchups: Hornets, Wizards, Lakers, Rockets

T4. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last week: Unranked

Like Dirk, matchup with the Cavs. In a narrow loss in Cleveland, Davis scored 27 points on 12 of 21 shooting while leading his team with 14 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. He was a force on both ends of the floor. And I don't see that changing in the near future. As long as he's healthy, and the Pelicans keep winning (5-2), Brow is going to be a mainstay in the NBA MVP conversation.

This week: Trail Blazers, Kings, Nuggets, Jazz