NFL MVP Power Rankings Week One: Broncos QB Peyton Manning on Top
Sep 5, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws the ball during the first half against theBaltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The 2013 NFL season is underway, and with two games yet to play Monday night, it’s time to take a look at the 2013 MVP Power Rankings. Our reigning champion is Adrian Peterson, though that was a pretty controversial decision last season. Not that Peterson didn’t deserve it, but he was in a neck-and-neck race with Peyton Manning who came off of a major neck injury and led the Broncos to the best record in the AFC.
After one weekend of football, it’s hard to tell who is going to be the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, but we can at least start the rankings. We’ll update the rankings after tonight’s games if players emerge (which could happen) as serious candidates.
1. Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos
Manning’s dominance in Denver’s week one victory over the Baltimore Ravens is undeniable. He passed for 462 yards and SEVEN touchdowns. I’d say about 99 percent of current NFL fans ever saw or remember seeing a quarterback throw for seven touchdowns in a game. Even in a pass-heavy NFL today, that’s a huge number.
2. Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers
Kaepernick was nearly perfect in the 49ers’ win over the Green Bay Packers, throwing for over 400 yards and three touchdowns. He picked up right where he left off after a brilliant performance in last year’s playoffs, but looks like an even better passer than anyone could have predicted.
3. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Brees led the Saints to a season-opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons in what could be the first win of many this year. Brees had 357 yards and two touchdowns, and completed over 74 percent of his passes. It wasn’t a high-scoring Saints game like we’re accustomed to, but Brees looks much better and more comfortable with Sean Payton on the sidelines.
4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
Peterson got the 2013 season started off with a bang, running for a 78 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Peterson finished the game with three total touchdowns, and hasn’t missed a beat since his near-record setting performance last season.
5. Reggie Bush, RB, Lions
Reggie Bush turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for the Detroit Lions’ offense, rushing for 90 yards on 21 carries and catching four passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He had two touchdowns called back after being just a yard or less shy of the goal line, but Bush looks like one of the better values in free agency so far. This guy is a dynamic offensive weapon.
6. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals
Can you say enough about A.J. Green? The guy is an absolute beast, and is on his way to staking claim over the “Best WR in the NFL” title. He had nine catches for 162 yards and two touchdown grabs in the Bengals’ season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears.