Though they tend to look unconcerned or be secretive about it, all great players, given a chance to open up about their deepest desires, would tell you that they’d want to be the NFL MVP at some point in their careers. Besides the usual bragging rights for the player, winning the prestigious MVP award comes with a lot of remarkable commendations for the player’s team, plus of course some monetary benefits.
As you already know, several players have been playing their hearts out as the race for the MVP continually gets stronger. So far, the season is quarter-way through and some players already look like the stars of 2014. In determining the list for the early contenders of the NFL MVP, this assessment takes into account the players’ statistics-based on-field performance, team record and the remaining fixtures in the 2014 calendar year. Notably, this list may change, depending on how the rest of the season pans out.
But at the moment, here are our top six strongest candidates for the MVP:
1. Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts)
With a league-best passing yardage of 1,305 yards and 13 touchdown passes, Andy Luck’s contribution as a key player for the Colts couldn’t be any better. The Colts’ quarterback is rated at 108.0 on QB ratings and has 7.81 yards per pass attempt, which are also among the best in the NFL.
Though the Colts have two games left against 2013 playoff teams, their general weakness in rushing attack needs to be improved. If Luck continues his stellar performance of 40+ ball throws and a pass completion average of 68.9 percent, it would be impossible not to see his name amongst the MVP shortlist.
2. Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos)
Going by his on-and-off splendid performance as a QB in the past, 2014 has been irrefutably one of the best, or rather more consistently good, seasons for Manning. Against three 2013 playoff teams this season, Manning has been a beast for his team, throwing 814 yards, and scoring eight touchdowns with one interception.
In five games, Manning ranks 22nd in passing attempts and has a 108.5 quarterback rating. One of his best performances this season came in Week 5. The Denver Broncos were 7-point favorite over the undefeated Cardinals, but ended up winning by 21-points.
With his commendably improved running game and him playing for a team that has one of the best offensive systems in the AFC and the league, Manning should be among the MVP favorites, moreso because the Broncos remaining games in the NFL look much easier.
3. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
Rodgers has been one of the most consistently great performers this season. In their Week 4 win against the Chicago bears, he had four TDs, threw 302 yards and recorded an amazing quarterback rating of 151.2. Season-wise, the quarterback has a 7.69 average per pass attempt, a 109.1 quarterback rating, a total of 999 yards and nine TDs with one interception.
With such amazing numbers and a not-so-difficult schedule left for the Packers in the 2014 season, Rodgers should be in this year’s MVP shortlist.
4. DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys)
This season’s surprise 3-1 start by the Cowboys is largely courtesy of Murray’s 534 rushed yards, which is 156 more yards than that of his closest running back rival in the league. Additionally, the running back has contributed five rushing TDs and an outstanding average of 5.4 yards per carry for his team.
If he continues with his strong start to the season, many bookies and football pundits believe that Murray will break Eric Dickerson’s 30-year old rushing yardage record in a single NFL season. Although the Cowboys have four tough games remaining against 2013 playoff teams, a season-long healthy Murray and the team’s efficient running ball technique should see him feature in the MVP list.
5. J.J Watt (Houston Texans)
If there was a hidden rule somewhere that defensive players should not be easy favorites for the MVP, then Watt is definitely an exception to it. In four games, Watt has two sacks, a fumble recovery, has a blocked extra point, an interception (which he returned for an 80-yard touchdown) and even caught a 1-yard TD pass.
And what makes him arguably the best defensive player in the league is that, even under pressure, Watt remains is always well-composed. Unfortunately, the 3-1 Texans have four games left against 2013 playoff teams and they have to at least get a playoff berth for Watt to be seriously considered for the MVP.
6. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
The Chargers’ emergence as a strong contender for the Super Bowl championship has been subject to a lot of debate. However, not many can dispute Rivers’ influence on the Chargers, especially after his dominant play in the team’s famous win over the Seattle SeaHawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Nonetheless, it will be an uphill task for the Chargers to remain in contention, considering they have six games remaining against 2013 playoff teams. But with 1, 155 thrown yards and an eye-popping 8.43 yards per pass attempt, Rivers can definitely keep his team’s hopes alive while boosting his chances for MVP consideration.
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