NFL MVP Race

So unfortunately I am not given a vote for the NFL MVP award, which is a shame because I am very smart and am excellent at making these kinds of decisions. That being said I am going to try to predict the likelihood of who the award will go to out of the four most probable candidates. Through week 10 the four MVP leaders are all quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady. All four quarterbacks have strong arguments in their favor as to why they are worthy, and I am going to go over their reasons.

Drew Brees: (Through week 10) Comp.%: 68.1 TDs: 22 INTs:9 Yards: 2746 QB Rating: 105.8

Possibly the most impactful free agent acquisition in NFL history, Drew Brees has almost single-handedly turned around the 'Aints to the Saints in a few short years. An organization that has been maligned with poor quarterback play (the iconic Archie Manning 's 11 season record with the Saints was 29–66–3) they finally found stability in the undersized gun slinger. Last season was his most prolific season statistically in the Bayou but this season may be his best. With a talented Saints offense and a more consistent defense, Brees has steered the Saints to their best start in franchise history, 10-0.

In most years he would be the shoe in for the award, but with the competition is as stiff as it has been in years. In order for Brees to win the award he will have to secure the number 1 seed in the NFC, which means he will have to beat out Brett Favre.



Brett Favre: (Through week 10) Comp. %: 69.7 TDs:21 INTs:3 Yards: 2482 QB Rating: 112.1

God knows everyone outside of Minnesota and Wisconsin couldn't have hoped more that Mr. Favre's 30th retirement this offseason was his last, but alas, we have at least one more to go through before he is finally gone. That being said he has one of the strongest arguments in his favor due to the drastic improvement of the Vikings. Just a season ago the Vikings' more accurate name was the Adrian Petersons as he was their offense and most of their defense. This season Favre makes them a complete team. Last week Peterson had only 82 yards on 24 attempts and no touchdowns, but the Vikes won 35-9. A game like that could not be expected last season with Tavaris Jackson under center.

Favre is on pace for his best statistical season in his career. The one-loss Vikings are only one game behind the perfect Saints and are all but assured a playoff bye. Favre may stand the best chance of all the candidates.


Peyton Manning: (Through week 10) Comp. %: 69.7 TDs: 21 INTs: 9 Yards: 3102 QB Rating: 102.8

Manning has consistently been in the top 3 of the MVP discussion for most of his career. This year is no different as he is once again leading the Colts to a perfect season with one of the least talented wide-receiving corps he's had. He seems to be doing everything necessary for his team to win, and he has been nothing but clutch to this point. He has been so money at the end of games, he forced Belichick to call the risky and controversial fourth and 2 play and his mere presence forced the Ravens to be over aggressive at the end of last week's game, which caused Flacco's back breaking interception. Teams are struggling to prevent Manning from having the ball with little time left in a one score game. So far it seems like Manning is the other candidate with the strongest chance to win the award.

Tom Brady: (Through week 10) Comp.% 66.4 TDs: 20 INTS:6 Yards: 3049 QB Rating: 100.4

Tom Terrific is managing one of the greatest comeback seasons ever after the catastrophic and nearly career threatening injury he suffered in 2008. Although he stumbled at bit out of the gate in regaining his timing and skills, he has rebounded expertly to be in the top 3 of the major quarterbacking categories. Had he hung on to beat Peyton Manning's Colts that fateful Sunday night, and if he can beat the Saints this Monday, he would be have had a stronger argument for the prize. If he can keep up his statistical pace in the wintery months coming up, and if the Patriots can nail down the number 2 seed in the AFC, then he will stand a small chance at winning the award. He is on pace to break 4800 yards passing and throw over 32 touchdowns; amazing in any year.

No matter how it turns out, for Brady to return from a destructive knee injury and lead the Patriots back to the playoffs with a division title is nothing short of amazing. He has a great team around him but he still exemplifies what the quarterback position is.


My Pick

This season is one of the strongest fields seen in some time with four sure fire hall-of -famers in the mix. However it seems like it will boil down to a 2 horse race between Manning and Favre. Both are operating at levels unseen before in their storied careers. The "value" Manning and Favre bring to their teams seems to be nearly equal. The Vikings went from a mediocre club to an elite NFC team, and the Colts remain atop the AFC with some crafty veteran play by Peyton. The Colts have locked up the number 1 seed in the AFC and chances are good that the Vikings will take the number 2 seed in the NFC. If that situation holds, I feel the award will be split and go to both of them. Co-MVPs are not rare, Manning's first MVP was a co-MVP with Steve McNair. However, if the Vikings over take the Saints and secure the top seed in the NFC, Favre will win the award solely. You can't ignore the impact he had on the Vikings in making them an elite team in only one season.



















...Tom Brady can rest easy, though. He wins the MVP of handsomeness... and the Comeback Player of the Year.