It feels like it was yesterday that millions of fans were foaming at the mouth, dying for the NFL to return. Now, here we are, three months in, & it’s time to start thinking about the big picture.
Who will win the NFL’s most prestigious award?
Here’s my list of who I think should win MVP if the season ended today.
Honorable Mentions
– Cam Newton (hate me all you want)
– Andy Dalton
– Julio Jones
5. Antonio Brown
– Why is no one talking about this guy? Despite dealing with three different quarterbacks, one of which being hurt even when he does play, Brown has terrorized defenses & has played a crucial role in keeping the Steelers in the hunt at 6-4. He’s second in the league in yards with 1,141, & is the Steelers’ lead receiver by over 700 yards. He draws a minimum of 2-3 defenders every snap, opening up plenty of rush lanes for his backs, as well as creating great, one-on-one opportunities for Martavious Bryant (5 TDs). If the playoffs started today, Brown will have had carried this team the playoffs, & that’s why he’s on my list.
– Over & over again, AD defies all odds. Here he is, 30 years old, carrying his team more than any player in the NFL does, & so far this season, it’s lead to wins. He ranks first in rushing yards right now, third in TDs, & third in rushes of 20 yards or more. After 9 years on the team, he’s still the explosion of this offense. The Vikings are giving the Packers a run for their money right now, AD is a big reason why.
– A month ago, Rodgers might be first on this list, but losing three out of his last four games, one of which being against the Lions in Green Bay, has moved him down my list. Then again, if I made this list a week ago, he’d be lower, but after playing very well in a huge win against the Vikings in Minnesota, he’s back in the top three. Rodgers, no matter how you look at it, is dominant. He’s third in the league in TDs through the air at 23, despite being 11th in attempts. He’s also only thrown 3 picks. This is all without his #1 receiver & only reliable deep threat, Jordy Nelson, who Rodgers threw 13 TDs to last season. One more shocking stat: Rodgers has only 181 less rushing yards than his starting HB, Eddie Lacy. Wow.
– When the Cardinals signed Palmer back in 2013, this is what they were hoping for. Finally able to kick the injury bug, Palmer has been sensational, leading the NFL’s best offense & ranking 1st in everything but passing yards, where he ranks second. Cardinal fans have seen rejuvenation of Larry Fitzgerald & Chris Johnson, as well as the emergence of John Brown this season, & they have Palmer to thank for it. NFC favorites? We’ll see how far this guy can take the Cards.
1. Tom Brady
– Fresh off his fourth Super Bowl, Brady might just be putting together his most impressive season ever, at age 38. Despite having the 5th worst run-game in football & one the most inexperienced o-lines in the game, the Pats’ offense finds itself ranked 3rd in total offense. Why? They’ve completely dominated through the air. Brady is ranked 1st in passing yards, 2nd in passer rating, & 2nd in TDs, all while throwing only four picks. Brady has been unbelievable in his pursuit of perfection. Who will stop the Patriots? Hard to imagine who can if Brady keeps playing like this.