MVP Race: Mid-Season Edition

by Scott Simone

The NFL season is nearly halfway through. It’s only normal that MVP buzz has started to float around the league. With so many names being thrown into the ring as potential contenders, EP takes a look at who really deserves to be in the running for MVP.

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts, QB
It’s almost laughable that some were writing the Colts off after starting 2-2 in their first four games of the season. Maybe it’s because Peyton doesn’t garner as much media attention as say, Brett Favre, or maybe it’s because we’ve come to expect nothing short of greatness from him, but it seems Manning has been moved to the back burners. But his numbers speak for themselves. Through seven games, Peyton has thrown for 2184 yards, completing 66 percent of his passes. If he continues at this pace, he’s on track to throw for 34 touchdowns and only five interceptions for the season. And, he’s done all that without Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, and Anthony Gonzalez at various points in the season. Manning has to be the front-runner.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots, QB
Although we should deduct some points for his new flowing locks, Brady has to be in the race for MVP. Although his individual numbers lag behind Peyton’s and Drew Brees’, Brady has navigated his New England Patriots to a tie for the best record in the NFL (6-1). He’s also efficiently thrown for over 1600 yards, with a 3:1 TD to interception ratio. He always seems to put himself in contention for not only MVP, but a championship every year he steps onto the field.


3. Arian Foster, Houston Texans, HB
Although Adrian Peterson leads the league in rushing yards, Foster has helped his team to a winning record with impressive wins over the Colts and the Redskins. With an impressive outing last week (102 yards) against the Colts, Foster has rushed for 737 yards and seven touchdowns in as many games. He’s also shown ability to catch out of the backfield, compiling 245 receiving yards. His numbers put him in contention, so if his team continues to win, and possibly make a run for their first playoff berth in franchise history, he should be right at the top of the list.

4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, QB
The New Orleans Saints seemed to be struggling at the beginning of the season, but they still have a winning record (5-3) behind Brees. Brees has thrown for 2,334 yards on the season, and has completed an astounding 70 percent of his passes this season. His 11 interceptions this season knock him down below Peyton and Brady, but his 16 touchdowns are ahead of both. If the Saints find themselves back in the playoffs to defend their title, it’ll be largely in part to Brees’ arm.


5. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans, HB
Arguably the best running back in the game today, Johnson has propelled the Titans to a winning record of 5-3. He has rushed for 721 yards and eight touchdowns in as many games. He’s been able to amass these numbers despite facing two of the best run defenses in the league, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Once again, he is showing his versatility, racking up 90 receiving yards. He's been the one consistent player for the Titans, who have shuffled between Vince Young and Kerry Collins at QB, seemingly every other week. If they are successful, it’s in large part due to Johnson.