The 2013 NFL MVP Award will be a highly contested one. Although this list highlights the top five candidates, there are potentially 10 or 20 players that could legitimately have a shot at winning the MVP award. Almost all of the serious contenders are currently on teams that should make the playoffs next season. Even though the award should be based on the overall best performance of the season by a player, the award rarely goes to a player of a losing team. This fact does influence the candidates chances of winning the award, and my rankings. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson shattered the single season receiving yards record, but was still not a contender for the 2012 MVP due to the Detroit Lions 4-12 record and overall disappointing season.
Here are my five candidates for 2013 NFL MVP:
#5. Robert Griffin III – QB Washington Redskins
Robert Griffin had a fantastic season for the Washington Redskins in 2012, who were one of the biggest surprises of the year and made the NFC playoffs. Griffin had the third best QB rating in the NFL at 102.4. He threw for a total of 3,200 yards and had 20 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. Added to his passing statistics, Griffin had 815 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. The Redskins are an up and coming team and are still improving. If Griffin has a similar season and the Redskins are competitive, he is a serious contender for NFL MVP.
#4. Peyton Manning – QB Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning made a stunning comeback last season after suffering a neck injury that led many to believe he would never play football again. Manning led the Broncos to a 13-3 record and a first round bye in the NFL playoffs. He had the second best QB rating at 105.8, 4,659 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions. The Denver Broncos should have just as good of a year in 2013, and Peyton Manning may win another NFL MVP award.
#3. Aaron Rodgers – QB Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers struggled at time during the season, but when it counted, Aaron Rodgers delivered to help his team win the NFC North and make the playoffs. Rodgers was extremely efficient with a 67.2% completion rate and led the league in QB rating at 108.0 Rodgers threw 39 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions. The Packers had multiple injury problems in 2012 and will have many areas to address in the offseason including finding a starting running back. There is no question that the team will be a contender once again this season, so it is safe to say that Rodgers will be a top 5 candidate for the award.
#2. Adrian Peterson – RB Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson had one of the greatest seasons as a running back in the history of the NFL. He ended the year just 9 yards short of the record for most rushing yards in a season. Peterson had 2,097 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. It is feasible to predict that Peterson will have an even better year in 2013, as he started the year off with 100 yards rushing only once in his first six games, but finished the season gaining over 100 yards in nine of his last ten games. The Minnesota Vikings will need to be relevant to give him a good chance, but Peterson is possibly the best player in the NFL, and should get strong considerations for the 2013 MVP award.
#1. Drew Brees – QB New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees is the top candidate for NFL MVP going into the 2013 season. Brees had a very strong season last year even without head coach Sean Payton. Coach Payton will return to the sideline to lead one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. Brees led the NFL in passing yards (5,177), passing touchdowns (43), and yards per game (324). The New Orleans Saints will return to the playoffs, and I do predict Drew Brees to win the 2013 NFL MVP.
Other Candidates: Calvin Johnson, Tom Brady, Arian Foster, Ray Rice
*Statistics from ESPN via ESPN.com
More From This Contributor
Top 20 Football Movies; Best Sports Films of All-Time
2013 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Candidates
2013 NFL Coaches on the Hot Seat; Who’s Next to Be Fired?
2013 Top 10 Quarterbacks; NFL Fantasy Football Players to Draft, QB Rankings
