NFL MVP Predictions: Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Is Clear Favorite

With the 2011-12 MVP announcement coming up this Saturday from Indianapolis, there is only one clear favorite for the award.

It's Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

While Rodgers and his 15-1 Packers went out with a thud at the hands of the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Round, there should be no surprise when he's selected as the NFL MVP on Saturday. 

Here's how the voting will likely play out for the 2011-12 NFL MVP.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

The Packers went 15-1 during the regular season largely because of the brilliance of Rodgers on an every-week basis. With a defense that couldn't stop a nosebleed for most of the season, Rodgers carried the offense to No 2 scoring unit in NFL history.

He threw just six interceptions, and three were the result of passes that were dropped by receivers.

Rodgers' 122.5 passer rating broke Peyton Manning's record set back in 2004. Rodgers also threw for over 4,500 yards and 45 touchdowns without the aid of stat-padding late in fourth quarters or playing in Week 17. Simply put, few quarterbacks have had a regular season that compares with Rodgers' in 2011-12.

2. Drew Brees, Saints

If you're looking for video games numbers in an MVP, then Brees is your guy. 

He broke Dan Marino's passing yards record by over 400 yards and led a Saints offense that totaled more yards than any team in NFL history.

Brees threw for 46 touchdowns, a number that ranks him fourth all-time. And after a Halloween weekend loss to the Rams, Brees was nearly untouchable. His Saints scored 40 or more points seven times, including a 62-point explosion against the Colts.

3. Tom Brady, Patriots

In a normal passing season, Brady's numbers would have been more than enough to win the MVP.

In leading the Patriots to 13 wins and the AFC's No. 1 seed, Brady threw for 5,235 yards and 39 touchdowns. While he did increase his interception total from four in 2010 to 12 in 2011, Brady still had a 105.6 passer rating. I think we'll be hard-pressed to find a better overall season from a player who finishes third in the MVP voting.