With just a few short weeks remaining in the 2010 NFL season, it's time to give heavy thought to who exactly the league MVP should be.
There are indeed several options to choose from, but only one will ultimately win the award.
Interestingly enough, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew has crept up the rankings.
But is it enough to crack my Top 10? How does he fare against players such as Michael Vick or Tom Brady?
Well, let's find out.
Here is my current ranking of the Top 10 NFL MVP candidates.
10. Roddy White
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Roddy White has registered 99 receptions for 1,219 yards and seven touchdowns. The scary thing? He doesn't show any signs of slowing down any time soon.
He's definitely having an amazing season and bringing his name into the discussion of the greatest receiver in the league today.
9. Aaron Rodgers
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Aaron Rodgers is the catalyst of the Green Bay Packers offense, and without him they are utterly stagnant, as we witnessed yesterday against the Detroit Lions.
While he's posted superb statistics (23 TD, 3,289 yards), his team's 8-5 record and the fact that he suffered a concussion that may sideline him ultimately takes him out of true MVP contention.
8. Joe Flacco
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Joe Flacco may not be putting up gaudy numbers, but he's efficient and has done a nice job leading the Ravens this season.
It's amazing to watch this young gunslinger develop at such a young stage in his career.
7. Maurice Jones-Drew
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Surprised to see his name up here? Well, you shouldn't be.
Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the more underrated players in the NFL, yet he constantly produces at a very high level.
This season, he's already racked up 1,573 yards from scrimmage, including a league-best 1,278 yards rushing. Note that he's also scored seven total touchdowns.
6. Troy Polamalu
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Troy Polamalu is a player that's currently flying under the radar when it comes to the MVP race.
Nonetheless, his impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers is undeniable. Not only has he elevated the overall defensive unit, but he makes the game-changing plays, such as the forced fumble last week against the Baltimore Ravens and the pick-six yesterday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
While others may disagree, I strongly believe that Polamalu is performing like the best defensive player in the league right now.
5. Drew Brees
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Drew Brees has truly taken his game to the next level over the past few seasons, establishing himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Once again, he's leading the Saints to a strong record with 28 touchdowns and 3,855 yards.
Interestingly enough, it seems as if he will have disproved the Madden Curse.
4. Matt Ryan
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After this season, Matt Ryan may have solidified his standing amongst the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Not only has he led the Falcons to an 11-2 record thus far, which has major implications on MVP balloting, but he's done so in an impressive fashion, as he's thrown for 22 touchdowns and 3,147 yards.
He's certainly come a long way since the team took him with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.
3. Michael Vick
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Michael Vick has had a miraculous season so far, as he's turned around his career and his overall public image.
He's been the driving force behind the Philadelphia Eagles' success, as he's thrown for 2,513 yards and 17 touchdowns while also rushing for 483 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, I think he took himself out of first place over the past few weeks.
2. Philip Rivers
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Philip Rivers has defied the odds this season and led the San Diego Chargers despite being without several of his top receiving options.
Even so, he's thrown for 26 touchdowns and 3,868 yards.
If he takes the Chargers to the AFC West crown, I think he definitely considers strong consideration.
1. Tom Brady
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At this point in time, there's no doubt in my mind that Tom Brady would run away with this award.
Brady is a prime example of why the NFL is a quarterback-driven league and how a single player can make a tremendous impact on a football team.
He's taken the Patriots down a difficult schedule and still managed to post a 11-2 record while throwing 29 touchdowns for 3,398 yards and only four interceptions.
On a side note, he's also thrown 268 passes without an interception, a streak that dates back to Week 6.
By Mihir Bhagat
