2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 MVP Award Sleepers: The starting point for identifying potential NFL MVP candidates is pretty clear. Look at the top teams in the league, and then look at the quarterbacks and running backs for those teams. In fact, the two positions have combined to win the last 25 MVP awards. QBs have actually dominated in recent years, winning the honor in each of the last five seasons, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few sleeper candidates that have a shot. Granted, some of them are still quarterbacks and running backs, but there are a few other players that could steal the award if things fall into place. With that in mind, here is a look at five sleeper candidates that could sneak up and win NFL MVP honors in 2012.
2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Sleepers to Win NFL MVP Award
1. Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons (22/1)
Ryan has been rock solid since his rookie season, and last season, he set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. His numbers should reach another level in 2012 as the Falcons transition to a pass-first event. Not to mention that he has a ton of weapons at his disposal. Receiver Roddy White is one of the best in the NFL, and Julio Jones looked like a natural deep threat as a rookie last year. He also has a future Hall of Famer at tight end in Tony Gonzalez, a solid slot receiver in Harry Douglas and a pass-catching running back in Jacquizz Rodgers. Atlanta should have one of the best offenses in the NFL, and as the engine that makes it all go, Ryan has a chance to put up the type of numbers that get the attention of MVP voters.
2. Ray Rice, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens (30/1)
He is the centerpiece on offense for a Baltimore team that figures to be in the mix to win the AFC North and make another deep playoff run. Rice has established himself as one of the top all-around backs in the game, and he has had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage in two of the past three seasons. He has also topped 1,200 yards in each of the last three years and has averaged more than 70 catches in each of those seasons. More importantly, Rice is now the goal line back for the Ravens, and he had a career-high 15 touchdowns last season. If he finishes with 2,000-plus yards from scrimmage and 15-plus scores for a team that has one of the best records in the NFL, Rice could put himself in the thick of the MVP conversation.
3. LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles (30/1)
While quarterback Michael Vick is the oddsmakers’ favorite, LeSean McCoy was the team’s best offensive weapon last year. He finished fourth in the NFL in rushing, topping 1,300 yards. More importantly, his 17 rushing touchdowns were the most in the league, and his 20 total touchdowns led all players. McCoy has been a speedy, explosive back with moves to spare since entering the NFL, but last season, he showed he can carry the load between the tackles, as well. As the feature back in one of the better offenses in the game, McCoy’s stats should be gaudy. If the Eagles actually live up to expectations in the win/loss column this year, the team’s most reliable offensive weapon is bound to get noticed.
4. DeMarcus Ware, Outside Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys (odds not listed)
Ware has emerged as the premier edge rusher at the linebacker position, and he has had at least 11.0 sacks in every season of his career with the exception of his rookie year. Last season, Ware had an eye-popping 19.5 sacks, coming within striking distance of the single-season record. In order for a defensive player to earn MVP honors, it is going to take a ton of big plays. It is no coincidence that Lawrence Taylor was the last defensive player to win the award, and Ware is a very similar player. Sacks, forced fumbles and plays in the backfield get noticed, and Ware does all those things as well as anyone in the NFL.
5. Patrick Willis, Inside Linebacker San Francisco 49ers (odds not listed)
The 49ers figure to be one of the best teams in the NFL once again in 2012, and voters are bound to look for a potential MVP on any team with great record. Defense is the calling card of San Francisco, and Willis is the team’s best defender and the leader of the unit. He has been a tackling machine since entering the league, but as the talent around him as improved, Willis has been able to blitz more and drop back in coverage. Now that he is able to take advantage of his full skill set, Willis could add more sacks, interceptions and big plays to his always-impressive tackle total. Being the best player on one of the best teams has always been a good recipe for winning the MVP.
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