2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: MVP Favorites and Top Contenders

2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: MVP Favorites and Top Contenders: After Adrian Peterson snapped the five-year reign of quarterbacks winning the NFL’s MVP Award, Peyton Manning made sure that a QB took home top honors last year, shattering a majority of the passing records in the process. History says that the 2014 MVP will again be a quarterback or running back, and a quick look at the top players in the NFL only reinforces that likelihood. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the favorites and other top contenders for the 2014 NFL MVP Award.

The Favorites

He stomped nearly every passing record in existence last year, and based on the weapons around him, there is no reason that Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning can’t have another banner year. If anything, an argument can be made that he has better weapons around him in 2014 with running back Montee Ball assuming the full-time role and receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Cody Latimer joining Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Wes Welker. Manning’s number should again be off the charts, and the Broncos should be one of the best teams in the NFL. The combination of individual and team success is a perfect storm for another MVP Award.

He is always among the league leaders in passing stats, and New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees is the engine that drives the team’s high-powered offense. Equally as important, the Saints have been a championship contender in just about every season that Brees and head coach Sean Payton have worked together. Brees has his typical arsenal of weapons at his disposal so 5,000 yards and well over 30-plus touchdowns is a given. If Brees and can avoid the occasional offensive lapses away from the Superdome, he could finally capture the MVP Award that he has been close to winning numerous years.

The Contenders

The only player to earn a first-place vote for MVP last year not named Peyton Manning was New England quarterback Tom Brady. Granted, the voter was obviously trying to grab headlines by going against the majority, but the fact remains that Brady remains one of the most valuable players on any franchise. Despite a myriad of injuries to his supporting cast, Brady made sure the Patriots won the division and remained one of the best teams in the NFL. He should have better weapons to work with his year, and as long as Ron Gronkowski and Danny Amendola stay on the field, Brady’s numbers have a chance to match the other intangibles he brings to the table.

An injury limited Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to nine games last year, but he averaged more than 280 passing yards per game when he did play. Rodgers is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is a lock for 4,000-plus yards and 30-plus scores when healthy. Equally as important, the Packers have been a lock for the playoffs when he has been under center to run the team’s pass-happy attack. It is basically a given that Rodgers will have a great statistical year, and the former MVP could easily have another award-winning season.

Last year, he was the workhorse of Kansas City offense, and running back Jamaal Charles will be called on early and often again in 2014. Keep in mind that he led the AFC in rushing last year and caught 70 passes, finishing with 19 total touchdowns. Charles has a blend of speed, power and elusiveness that makes him a threat to score whenever he touches the ball, and as the main weapon in the Chiefs’ offense, there is little question that he is the team’s most important player. If Charles carries Kansas City back to the playoffs with a ton of yards from scrimmage and scores, he will be in the thick of the MVP conversation.