subject: Nfl Tickets - Sizing Up Mvp Prospects [print this page] The playoffs are well in sight after Week 14 of the regular season, bringing speculation as to who will take home the biggest prize of the year: Most Valuable Player. The MVP Award typically goes to the quarterback of one of the most successful teams of the season, and there are more than a few stellar throwers in the running for this year's MVP Award, including three-time award winners Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, as well as two-time winner Kurt Warner.
While these three stellar QBs are all in contention for the AP MVP Award this year, they aren't the only players being considered for the prestigious award. An in-depth look at the top 10 considerations for MVP is as follows.
Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints: If the league's MVP was selected after Week 14, the award would more than likely go to Drew Brees. He's been on top of his game in the latter part of the season, throwing 13 touchdowns and only one interception in Weeks 10-14 with a passer rating of 128.4. The Saints are still undefeated, which also helps his case as the NFL's player of the year.
Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts: Manning is a three-time MVP winner, and the only reason he isn't garnering more attention for his spectacular playing this year is because he's such an outstanding quarterback he doesn't have much room for improvement. Manning has had quite a few interceptions this year and that will hinder his chances against Brees if it was ultimately the two of them vying for MVP, but it will likely come down to the postseason to decipher who will take home the prestigious award.
Brett Favre, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings: After a tumultuous year with the New York Jets, the Brett Favre we all know and love is back with a vengeance in Vikings purple. Favre has made some incredible plays this year without all the interceptions he's known for, and with a passer rating of 106, he's definitely in the running for MVP. One thing that may cost him the award, however, is the prospect of Adrian Peterson, Favre's right-hand man. Could Favre have done such a spectacular job behind the helm in '09 without Peterson's help? That's something to take into account, and it could end up hurting his chances at becoming this year's MVP.
Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have been very hit-or-miss this year, and that will ultimately bar Warner from snagging this year's MVP Award. Warner has picked up his game significantly in the second half of the regular season, however, posting a passer rating of more than 120 for four straight games. Not bad for a 38-year-old quarterback.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers: Rivers is part of the reason that NFL tickets have been selling so outrageously this season. Rivers has taken his Chargers to an eight-game winning streak late in the season, and his big plays have accounted for 15 touchdown passes and just four interceptions. He's overshadowed by Manning and Brees, but don't count Philip Rivers out just yet.
Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans: If the MVP Award doesn't go to a quarterback this year, it will go to Chris Johnson. Despite the Titans' 6-7 record, Johnson has been a bright spot for Tennessee this year, and he has posted 2,017 yards on the season after Week 14, on track to beat Marshall Faulk's record of 2,429. He's also had 13 touchdowns this year, trailing the league-high by one.
Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings: He's not as popular as Johnson, but Adrian Peterson has been a real asset to the Vikings this year, carrying the team's offense.
Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne is one of the Colts' most consistent receivers, but with an Indy offense also including receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon - and let's not forget about Peyton Manning - Wayne's prospects at MVP are slim to none, though his 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns are nothing to scoff at.
Darren Sharper, Safety, New Orleans Saints: Sharper has been a pleasant surprise for the Saints this year, having posted eight interceptions and three returns for touchdowns. Realistically, he doesn't really have a shot to win MVP, but he might just be able to take Defensive Player of the Year instead.
Charles Woodson, Cornerback, Green Bay Packers: Woodson has also had eight interceptions this season, tied for second in the league with Darren Sharper. He's helped Green Bay's defense become one of the best in the NFL and, like Sharper, Woodson may vie for Defensive Player of the Year, since he's in the running but not likely to win MVP.
