With one week remaining in the 2016 NFL regular season, here’s how we view the MVP race…
T-1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Good numbers:
- 26-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his last 10 games
- Has led the Packers on a five-game winning streak to remain alive in the playoff race despite a slew of injuries
Bad numbers:
- League’s fifth-highest-rated passer, but his broad numbers are lacking because it’s been an up-and-down year
- Ranks 14th with a 7.2 yards-per-attempt average
How he can win: One more big performance Sunday night against the Detroit Lions, clinching the NFC North title.
T-1. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Good numbers:
- His 115.5 passer rating doesn’t just lead the league — it’s the fifth-highest mark in NFL history
- He leads the league by a huge margin with a 9.3 yards-per-attempt average
- The Falcons have the league’s top-rated offense
Bad numbers:
- He’s thrown three fourth-quarter interceptions, two of which basically cemented losses
How he can win: A massive game in a victory over the rival Saints, which would give Atlanta a first-round bye.
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Good numbers:
- His 25-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio is the best in the NFL
- He has the league’s highest QBR and ranks second to Ryan in terms of passer rating and YPA
- The Patriots have lost just one of his 11 starts
Bad numbers:
- He was suspended for the first four games of the season, and New England won three of those rather easily
How he can win: Poor performances from Rodgers and Ryan, and a strong game against Miami in order for New England to lock up the top seed in the AFC.
