With 15 whole weeks remaining in the 2016 NFL regular season, here’s how we view the MVP race…
1. Von Miller, Broncos: It takes a lot for a defensive player to win MVP, but Miller has carried the Broncos in back-to-back wins to start the season. He’s been the most dominant player in football by a wide margin, which has him in the top spot early on.
2. Eli Manning, Giants: Miller’s case also benefits from the fact no quarterbacks have been lights out. That said, Manning has a small edge over the rest of them early on this season. He’s completed 73.9 percent of his passes for the 2-0 G-Men.
3. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Big Ben’s numbers aren’t dazzling, but he’s had two tough opponents and yet the Steelers are 2-0. Without him, they might be 0-2.
4. Matt Ryan, Falcons: Ryan’s Falcons are only 1-1, but the veteran quarterback leads the NFL with a passer rating of 121.4 and a yards-per-attempt average of 10.0. Ridiculous numbers.
5. Jimmy Garoppolo, Patriots: Obviously he won’t remain on this list, but the fact is Garoppolo has a 117.2 rating for the 2-0 Patriots.
6. Sam Bradford, Vikings: It’s only one game, but the former top pick was incredible Sunday night in a victory over the division rival Packers. And he did it without much help from the offensive line or the running game.
7. Carson Wentz, Eagles: Bradford’s replacement in Philadelphia has looked like a veteran Pro Bowler for the 2-0 Eagles. He’s yet to turn the ball over and has a 94.1 passer rating at the two-week mark.
8. Matthew Stafford, Lions: Wasn’t much more he could do in a tough Week 2 loss to the Titans. Stafford looks like he’s turned a corner this year, and his 101.2 passer rating is a good indication.
