With Week 8 of the 2012 NFL season now in the rear-view mirror, the MVP race is starting to heat up as front-runners pull away from the rest of the pack.
While some candidates have put their names on the list by making huge impacts on a weekly basis, others have made their mark by lighting up the stat sheets game in and game out. Either way, these players have helped their teams to victories while showcasing their elite skills and will to win.
Here’s a look at the top 2012 NFL MVP candidates and what they’ve done through the first half of the season to put themselves into position to earn the league’s most prestigious individual award.
Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots
Week after week, Tom Brady continues to remind opposing defenses why he has three Super Bowl rings and is headed for the Hall of Fame when his playing days are over. Brady has been the difference-maker as usual, helping the New England Patriots bounce back from a slow start to put themselves near the top of the AFC. While the passing touchdowns rack up, Brady has done a terrific job of avoiding interceptions and is playing like he’s primed for another Super Bowl run.
Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Whenever the ball is in Percy Harvin‘s hands, something good is bound to happen. The Minnesota Vikings, who are off to a surprising 5-3 start, are banking on their energetic wide receiver’s ability to make something out of nothing. Whether he’s catching passes, taking handoffs or returning kickoffs, Harvin has a knack for making big plays. If the Vikings make the playoffs in 2012, Harvin will deserve much of the credit.
The Atlanta Falcons have gotten off to 7-0 start, and the immense productivity and poise of Matt Ryan are huge parts of the team’s overwhelming success so far. No matter what the defense throws at him, Ryan has done a tremendous job of making the most of what he’s given and getting his offense in the end zone. His numbers might not be as flashy as some of the other quarterbacks in the league, but his impact is undeniable as the Falcons remain the NFL’s only undefeated team.
J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Houston Texans
Arguably the most disruptive defender in the NFL, J.J. Watt has reached unprecedented heights for a second-year player. Whether he’s putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks or using his big frame and long arms to deflect passes at the line, Watt finds some of the most creative ways to make an impact. Although it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to keep this phenomenal impact consistent enough to win the MVP Award, it’s hard to deny that he deserves to be in the conversation.
Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants
After a slow start to their season, the New York Giants are on track for a deep playoff run and Eli Manning is the driving force. With an inconsistent running game, the offense has had to rely on the passing attack to keep them afloat. Manning has answered the call, using his arm and instincts to take advantage of the Giants’ terrific group of pass-catchers. If the Giants have any hope of defending their title in 2012, they’ll need Manning to continue having an MVP-esque season.
