Peyton Manning: Spectacular Season Doesn't Make Him NFL MVP

Peyton Manning is not the 2012 NFL MVP.

He belongs in the discussion for sure, just like he belongs in the discussion for Comeback Player of the Year and the Pro Bowl.

But he's not the MVP.

What he's doing this season is remarkable, especially considering that he's coming back from multiple neck surgeries.

"

Peyton Manning is on pace for 4,808 passing yards this season. That would be the highest total of his career. #peytonbetterthanever?

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 6, 2012"

Impressive, indeed.

Manning is leading the league in QB Rating (108.6) and completion percentage (69.5). He also lands in the top five for touchdown passes and passing yardage.

It also helps that he's playing behind an outstanding offensive line, one that has protected him better than any other unit in the NFL this season. Manning has been hit a league-low 32 times (10 sacks, 22 QB hits), four less than brother Eli, who lands in second place on the list with 36 hits (nine sacks, 27 hits).

Granted, some of that has to do with his ability to get rid of the ball quickly, but would he be as successful playing behind the offensive line of the Green Bay Packers, a unit that has allowed Aaron Rodgers to get hit 77 times?

Rodgers, the reigning NFL MVP, should be the front-runner this year. He's matched Manning in nearly every statistical category this season while getting little help from his offensive line.

Manning: 108.6 QB Rating, 69.5 percent completion rate, 2,404 yards passing, 20 TD, 6 INT

Rodgers: 107.4 QB Rating, 67 percent completion rate, 2,383 yards passing, 25 TD, 5 INT

Oh, and Rodgers has done it without his best receiver, Greg Jennings.

Manning might lead in many of the statistical categories, but he's behind Rodgers when it comes to the MVP award.