NFL MVP Race: Will Somebody Catch Aaron Rodgers?

January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) before playing against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Everybody knows the big names and the favorites when it comes to the annual NFL MVP race.  Who among them has the best chance to capture the honor in 2015 and who could sneak in out of nowhere to steal it?

The Favorites

Aaron Rodgers

He owns the crown for the second time in his career, sits in his prime and plays on an offense in Green Bay loaded with weapons.  Aaron Rodgers is known best for his pinpoint passing but never gets enough credit for his mobility.  All those tools are still in working order.  No reason to think he can’t venture on for his third trophy.

Andrew Luck

Every season has seen Andrew Luck take a jump in terms of his ability to execute at the NFL level.  He reached that next tier for Indianapolis last season, throwing 40 touchdowns and really being the reason they made the playoffs and reached the AFC championship game.  His youth and higher degree of running ability may give him the slightest of edges over Rodgers this year.

Ben Roethlisberger

Normally a 33-year old quarterback doesn’t have his breakout season so late in his career.  Yet Ben Roethlisberger did, posting over 4,900 yards passing with 32 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.  The lack of a defense and now no Le’Veon Bell puts the burden of success for the Pittsburgh Steelers on his shoulders.  If he repeats what he did last year, he’ll get the credibility he deserves.

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