Aaron Rodgers Surges into MVP Lead with Historic Game vs. Bears

You didn't forget about Aaron Rodgers, did you?

One of the oddities of the 2014 NFL season has been the up-and-down play from most of the league's best players. Around the midpoint of the season, the biggest question from everyone was, who is the MVP so far?

After Sunday Night Football in Week 10, it's looking like the Green Bay Packers quarterback may be the new leader in that clubhouse. Rodgers was an integral part of the Packers' 55-14 beatdown of the Chicago Bears with 315 yards and six touchdowns on 18-of-27 passing.

Five different players caught those touchdowns, but none was more stellar than Jordy Nelson, who caught all six of his targets for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

Under Rodgers' care, Nelson has become one of the top receivers in the NFL. Fellow receiver Randall Cobb (four catches for 72 yards and a touchdown) isn't that far off.

Though many people have different definitions for "valuable," it's been even harder than normal to pick a clear-cut best player this season. Think about it: We've had incredible runs from a number of players.

From Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, to San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers, to Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady and then Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, the entire season has featured a parade of extremely talented players rather than one dominant force.

Outside of the quarterbacks, there are arguments to be made for Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (as well as just about his entire offensive line).

Every week, it seems, there's another name rising to the top of the list.

Throughout it all, Rodgers has been incredibly consistent. But that hasn't translated to buzz, as outlined by Bleacher Report's Cian Fahey:

"

Aaron Rodgers didn't get a single MVP vote from ESPN's bloggers at midseason. He should be comfortable leader right now.

— Cian O'Fathaigh (@Cianaf) November 10, 2014"

The point isn't to pick on ESPN; Rodgers received only two votes from B/R as well—from Mike Freeman and Matt Bowen. Those two look prescient now, though of course it's important to remember that there's plenty of season left and it's more than possible that Rodgers takes a step back toward the rest of us humans at some point.

Rodgers was Pro Football Focus' (subscription required) No. 3-ranked quarterback entering Week 10, and unlike Brady or Roethlisberger ahead of him, Rodgers hasn't had a single negative-rating game all season.

He leads all quarterbacks in PFF's altered QB rating and is third in the site's proprietary completion percentage.  

It's not just PFF, either. Rodgers entered the weekend sixth in Football Outsider's DYAR and now boasts the top QBR on ESPN.com.

It's a heck of a resume, but the thing that may matter most to voters is the Packers' current 6-3 record and whether or not they could win the NFC North.

One thing is for certain, though: If Rodgers plays the final seven weeks of the season in the same high-quality manner he's delivered through the first 10 weeks, it will be impossible to ignore him any longer.

If Rodgers isn't on your short list for MVP, you're just not paying attention.

Michael Schottey is an NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Find more of his stuff on his archive page and follow him on Twitter.