2012 NFL Playoffs: Latest Predictions on Super Bowl MVP Candidates

Despite the Saints not being a top seed, they, along with the Patriots and Packers are my early Super Bowl favorites, landing their quarterbacks as my top three Super Bowl MVP candidates.

Reigning Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers has not disappointed this year coming off the recognition. Leading his team to a 15-1 record, Green Bay is undoubtedly a favorite to make the Super Bowl, making Rodgers an early MVP favorite.

However, Rodgers was joined by a few other quarterbacks who you might know, by the names of Tom Brady and Drew Brees, who also enjoyed stellar seasons while leading their own teams into the playoffs.

This season has in many ways been "the Year of the Quarterback," and that's why the three early favorites for Super Bowl MVP all play that position. It also doesn't hurt that odds are in their favor.

In the history of the Super Bowl there have been 46 MVPs (Super Bowl XII had co-MVPs), 24 were quarterbacks, seven were running backs, six were wide receivers and the other nine belonged to defense and special teams. 

With that said, these three quarterbacks weren't the only players shining on their teams, and for that, I've listed my outside favorites. 

Green Bay Packers

As already stated, if Green Bay won the Super Bowl again this year, Rodgers would more than likely walk away as a back-to-back, two-time Super Bowl MVP winner.  

When comparing Rodgers' season to some of the best of all time, things couldn't have gone much better. Throwing for 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions, Rodgers finished with a completion percentage of 68.3 and broke the NFL's single-season passer rating record with a 122.5.

If Rodgers can carry these numbers into the playoffs and through to the Super Bowl, then it would be hard to believe someone else would win MVP.

Outside Favorite: Jordy Nelson

As Rodgers' favorite target, wide receiver Jordy Nelson had an incredible year as well, accumulating 1,263 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking third amongst all the league's receivers.  

The sure-handed receiver was responsible for a number of big plays in the team's quest to remain undefeated. If it came down to a big play in the Super Bowl, it wouldn't be surprising to see Nelson be the guy to pull it off.

New Orleans Saints

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn't the only one setting records this season.

In a year highlighted by quarterback play, Brees walked away with arguably the most impressive recognition, destroying Dan Marino's single-season passing yard record by 392 yards, finishing with 5,476. Brees finished with a passer rating off 110.6 and one touchdown ahead of Rodgers.

Brees already has one Super Bowl MVP under his belt, this year he will hunt for two.

Outside Favorite: Darren Sproles

There really wasn't a better offseason free agent acquisition this year than that of Darren Sproles by the New Orleans' Saints. Despite a heavy backfield in New Orleans, the tiny 5'6" running back came in and made a name for himself.

Sproles set records of his own, surpassing Derrick Ward to top the list for most all-purpose yards in a season, finishing with 2,696 and 10 touchdowns. 

New England Patriots

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has once again lead the team to the playoffs. This year marks Brady's ninth time making the playoffs in his 12-year career. Of those nine times, Brady has reached the Super Bowl four times, winning three and twice being named Super Bowl MVP.

To choose anyone else as a Super Bowl MVP favorite for the Patriots would not be a wise decision.

Not too mention, although less talked about due to proceeding Brees in doing so, Brady also surpassed Marino for most passing yards in a season, finishing with 5,235.

Outside Favorite: Rob Gronkowski

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been a huge playmaker for New England all season, catching a league-high 17 touchdowns. Gronkowski is a guy Brady seems to like to go to in the clutch, and Gronk isn't afraid to be that guy.