NFL Playoff Predictions: Non-QBs Capable of Claiming Super Bowl MVP

Quarterbacks have won the Super Bowl MVP award 24 times compared to 22 for every other position combined.  With Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady as favorites to lead their team to a title, a QB will most likely be hoisting the MVP trophy yet again this season.  If a third of that trio doesn’t come out on top, though, there’s more than a realistic chance that a non-quarterback could take home the award.

Here are the five most likely non-QBs to win Super Bowl MVP.

5. Frank Gore

The only thing that would be more shocking than the San Francisco 49ers winning the championship after being projected to miss the playoffs would be if Alex Smith was the team’s most valuable player in their biggest win.

If Jim Harbaugh and company win the Lombardi, Frank Gore or a defensive player will definitely win MVP.  Gore is more likely because the 49ers defense has been phenomenal as a unit this season.  And if the former Miami Hurricane gets matched up against the New England Patriots' pitiful defense, he’ll run wild.

4. Mike Wallace

In the Pittsburgh Steelers' last two Super Bowl victories, a wide receiver has taken home the MVP.  First Hines Ward, then Santonio Holmes; Mike Wallace may be next.  The explosive wideout only needs one play to take it to the house. 

A Steelers defender like Troy Polamalu, James Harrison or LaMarr Woodley could potentially win the award as well.

3. Ray Rice

Ray Rice is the most talented player on the Baltimore Ravens offense by far.  He will have to carry the load up and down the field, running the football and catching passes for his team to win the title.  Unless Torrey Smith has another three-touchdown game, highly unlikely, no other offensive weapon will even be under consideration.

2. Calvin Johnson

If Matt Stafford throws five touchdown passes in the Super Bowl, there are good odds that four, if not five, of those TDs will be to Megatron.  Calvin Johnson has been unguardable all season long and his ability alone gives the Detroit Lions a chance to win it all.  It would be hard to imagine the MVP being handed to anyone else, unless Suh knocks the opposing quarterback out of the game.

1. Ed Reed

Ray Lewis won Super Bowl MVP in the Ravens' last championship; now it’s Ed Reed’s turn.  Reed is still ringless, so there isn’t a hungrier veteran going into this postseason for a title.  You better believe if Baltimore can knock off a team like the Green Bay Packers or New Orleans Saints in the championship that an interception or two by Reed is what gave the Ravens the win.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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