Making the Ultimate Case for Peyton Manning as NFL's MVP

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There's a reason Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has received more Pro Bowl votes (376,981, per BroncoTalk) than any other player in the NFL—he is the league's Most Valuable Player.

No active player has won more MVP awards than Manning's four, and for good reason. Manning simply outplays every player on every team nearly every season.

This season is no exception, and we have three slides supporting this sentiment. 

1) He's Not Just a Player, but Also a Coach

(Image courtesy of Paul Cloud/Paul Cloud Photography)

During CBS' broadcast of Denver's 34-14 beatdown of Carolina last week, the game's commentators provided some interesting insight into Manning's coach-like personality.

Jim Nantz commented that Broncos Coach John Fox has to restrain Manning from keeping his teammates out on the field too long "otherwise, they'd be out their all day," stated Diedorf, before adding, "It must be a nice problem to have as a head coach."

A nice problem indeed.  

Manning's drive and determination has made everyone around him better, putting the Broncos' offense on pace to break franchise records this season.

2) He Has Made the Broncos Legitimate Contenders

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In 2011, Tim Tebow took over Denver's offense and led them on a thrilling ride that included many come-from-behind victories, including a 13-10 win against the Bears.

While Tebow did help the Broncos offense in terms of rushing (they led the NFL with 2,632 yards on the ground), Denver's offense was not effective long-term. Teams figured out how to defend against the Broncos' read-option offense, and Tebow was unable to score enough points.

This ultimately led to Denver getting thumped in the playoffs 45-10 by New England.

This season is different.

Under Manning's guidance, the Broncos offense has ranked third overall, scoring the second-most points per game this season (30.1).

The Broncos lost to three teams early in the season while the team was still adjusting to playing in Manning's offense.  And while they lost to New England, the Broncos first matchup against the Patriots this season—they may meet again in the playoffs—was not nearly as bad as last season's. (Manning threw for 345 yards and three scores but ultimately could not overcome his team's three lost fumbles.)

The Broncos are a different team.  

And with four consecutive wins and an up-tempo, high-scoring offense, Denver appears bound to make a deep run into the playoffs with Manning's arm and leadership leading the way.

3) He's on Pace for 4,808 Yards and 36 Touchdowns

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The NFL's highest-rated quarterback (108.0), Peyton Manning has thrown for 2,705 yards and 21 touchdowns through the first 11 weeks of the season.

Manning is on pace to break John Elway's franchise record of 4,030 yards and 27 touchdowns in a single season.  He's on track to have the best season in Denver's history, and one of the best among quarterbacks this season.  And remember, this is the guy that didn't play a down in 2011.

Manning has come roaring back, and everyone has noticed.  

For that reason, he'll be named the league's MVP for the fifth time in his career at season's end.  And he deserves it.