Every Friday this year, we'll be ranking the top five candidates for NFL MVP based on their performance so far. These rankings aren't based on who would win today - they're based on who's most likely to take home the award at the end of the year. We'll take into account several factors:
- Statistical Contribution
- Team performance
- Game-changing plays
- Recent performances
- Intangibles & other contributions
Our Week 0 MVP Prediction:
1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos QB
Last week: N/R
Last game:
64.3 completion percentage
462 Yards
7 TDs, 0 INTs
We were so convinced that Thursday night's game wouldn't impact the MVP race that we didn't even consider the possibility that it might influence our "preseason" rankings. But, Peyton Manning, though. Torching the Ravens defense for SEVEN touchdowns (the first 7-TD game for a quarterback since 1969) is a great way to propel yourself to the top of any self-respecting MVP rankings, and we're pretty confident no one is going to top that performance this weekend (although if it does, we hope its someone on our fantasy team this time).
Manning and the Broncos looked absolutely terrifying, and they made the reigning Super Bowl-champion Ravens look positively ordinary. Manning took apart the Ravens D like they were Lego blocks, and put on a clinic as the Broncos ran away with the season opener. One game into opening weekend, and the rest of the NFL is already on notice.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings RB
Last week: N/R
Last season: 10-6
2047 yards on 348 carries
6.0 yards/attempt
12 Rushing TDs, 1 Passing TD
So far, Peyton Manning is the only convincing reason that Peterson won't repeat as MVP. Coming off a 2000-yard season, Peterson will once again be the focal point of the Vikings' offense, and he's already proven that he can do damage against defenses geared specifically against him.
The continued development of Christian Ponder and the addition of WR Greg Jennings should help Peterson do even more, as defenses now can't be certain that the ball is going to Peterson on every key play. Ponder is still on a relatively short leash though, and if Peterson stays healthy we could very easily see a second consecutive 2000-yard season from Purple Jesus.
3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers QB
Last week: N/R
Last season: 11-5
67.2 completion percentage
4295 yards
39 TDs, 8 INTs
Can Aaron Rodgers get even better? His minor statistical regression last year can be pretty easily chalked up to Green Bay's plague of injuries and unimpressive line play, and although Greg Jennings is now a Viking, the Packers still have an exceptionally deep and talented receiving corps.
Randall Cobb has developed into a game-changing offensive weapon, and if everyone stays healthy and the o-line improves (it certainly can't be worse than last season), Rodgers could be in line for his 2nd MVP award.
4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints QB
Last week: N/R
Last season: 7-9
63.0 completion percentage
5177 yards
43 TDs, 19 INTs
Drew Brees is still one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but the Saints spent last season recovering from the harsh punishments leveled by Dictator Commissioner Roger Goodell and stumbled to a 7-9 overall record.
In WR Marques Colston and TE Jimmy Graham, Brees has two fantastic targets with drastically different skill-sets. Having to account for both will give opposing defenses nightmares, and Brees will also benefit from the return of Robert Meachem, back after a few wayward years with the Chargers. Brees and Meachem had fantastic chemistry, and we'll be absolutely shocked if Brees doesn't post another 5000 yard season. Will that be enough to take Brees (and the Saints) to the promised land?
5. Tom Brady, New England Patriots QB
Last week: N/R
Last season: 12-4
63.0 completion percentage
4827 yards
34 TDs, 8 INTs
Tom Brady turned 36 last month, but hasn't missed a beat since returning from season-ending knee injury in 2008. Brady's biggest knock this year isn't against him personally - it's the fact that Wes Welker, one of his favorite targets, is now a Denver Bronco. Brady was rightfully upset over Welker's departure - they'd connected for over 6,000 yards of offense since Welker joined the team in 2007.
This year, Brady's top targets will be Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski. Amendola and Gronk are excellent , but the receiving corps isn't Brady's strongest ever, and lacks real depth. If we've learned anything over the past decade, though, it's that counting out Brady means the Patriots are guaranteed to make the AFC Championship game. Stay tuned.
On the verge: