No Matter Who Wins NFL Comeback Player of the Year, We Got It Wrong

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning entered the 2012 season as the favorite to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award. But Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is proving that he can return strong from a serious injury too, thus making it a two-man race.

Not only are Manning and Peterson turning heads with their play, both are carrying their respective teams to winning records. And in Denver's case, a second consecutive AFC West title.

What these two are doing is great for the league: nothing better than two superstars turning an unknown situation into what we are all witnessing this season. The difficult part, however, will be deciding who will actually take home the award.

Both are making a strong case and are deserving. However, the result will come with much criticism.

We always hear: "You can't go wrong with either guy." But in this case, it would be an injustice to the odd man out.

While both would probably tell you that the individual accolades take a backseat to team success, this one is different. This honor proves that one is capable of returning to form after an injury or time away from the game—something both Manning and Peterson should certainly be proud of.

Not that many care much about the Comeback Player of the Year Award in a normal year—with most attention being thrown at the MVP or the Rookies of the Year. It's how these two have been able to return to form that is making it a front-and-center story.

A vote will obviously decide who takes home the trophy. But in this case, the NFL would do well to chalk this one up as a tie.

Since that is unlikely, whoever wins the award will end up as both the right and wrong choice.

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy.