With training camps underway or about to begin, the 2016 NFL season is upon us. Of course, we’re still a little under 6 months away from uncovering who be in the best position to win the Super Bowl and which players will perform the best this upcoming season. Going into the season, though, below is a top 10 ranking of the MVP candidates:
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Last year he threw for 3,821 yards, 31 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. That was good for a QB Rating of 92.7. Practically any quarterback in the history of the NFL would beg on both knees to post numbers like that. For Rodgers, though, it was the worst statistical season of his career since he became a starter. Can you imagine? He’s going to be hungry to bounce back and he’ll have his best receiver Jordy Nelson returning from injury. Expect prolific numbers this season.
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
The healthy return of Rob Gronkowski has completely reinvigorated his career and he’s back to posting MVP type numbers. He threw for 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns and 7 interceptions last year, good for a 102.2 QB Rating. He’ll be turning 39 very soon, but despite this he’s coming off a top 4 season in his unmatched decorated career. Brady is showing no signs of slowing down and figures to be in the MVP picture as always.
3. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
He’s the reigning MVP but he benefited greatly from team success last season in winning the award. Still, last year was by far his most prolific season as he threw for 3,837 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions (99.4 rating), to go with over 600 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns. He’s the most dynamic and versatile player in the NFL. Everyone will be gunning for the Panthers this year, though, and Newton takes a lot of hits. Repeating as MVP is extremely difficult to do and it will be a challenge.
4. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Marshawn Lynch may be out of the picture but Wilson took over the reigns as the linchpin of that offense last season. Despite being without Jimmy Graham for much of the season he put up career numbers with 4,024 yards passing, 34 touchdowns, 8 interceptions and a 110.1 QB Rating. In fact, had the Seahawks not started the season so slow he would have had a legitimate claim to the MVP title. Like Newton, he’s a dynamic weapon that can hurt you in many ways, and no longer can he be labeled a running quarterback that’s efficient at game management. He’s now a prolific passer.
5. Aaron Donald, DT, St. Louis Rams
It’s almost impossible for a defensive tackle to win the MVP award. Donald is as dominant of a player as we’ve seen, though, and his 20 sacks in 2 seasons prove he can rush the passer right there with elite edge guys. If he can get into the 15 sack range and the Rams finally get into the playoffs, he’ll have a strong case. The only DT to win MVP was Alan Page in 1971 – Donald looks like he could be that caliber.
6. Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The last two seasons he’s been putting up Marvin Harrison type numbers. It may take more, though, as no receiver has ever won the MVP award.
7. Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland Raiders
He’s already posted a 15 sack season in year two. What’s in store for year three? He’s the best young player in the league. The last linebacker to win MVP was Lawrence Taylor in 1986, though, so it would take a monster record type season to win.
8. Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers
It’s tough for Kuechly from the standpoint that he’s not even the MVP on his own team. But make no mistake, he’s as good as it gets as a defender in the NFL.
9. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
He’s back to 100% and looking to rebound from a miserable season – but he’s clearly one of the very best young passers in the league and he proved in 2014 he can put up huge numbers.
10. J. J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
He’d be much higher if it wasn’t for the back injury that’s requiring surgery and is putting the beginning of his 2016 campaign in jeopardy. If he can get well in time for week 1, will he play at the customary level?
