2014 NFL MVP: Why the Award Is Aaron Rodgers' to Lose

Entering Week 10, ESPN's NFL Nation reporters voted on their midseason MVP winners. Out of 32 votes, Tom Brady received 16, followed by DeMarco Murray (7) and Peyton Manning (5). Also receiving votes were Andrew Luck, Ben Roethlisberger, Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown. All of these players have had fantastic seasons thus far—but there's one player who was mysteriously left off the list.

Nowhere in the conversation was Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Yet, through 10 weeks, Rodgers is the NFL's most efficient quarterback in the league in terms of yards per completion (8.69), quarterback rating (120.1) and touchdown-interception ratio (8.3). With seven weeks remaining in the NFL season, here's why the MVP award is now Aaron Rodgers' to lose. 

Favorable Second-Half Schedule

Rodgers' numbers in the first half of the season are staggering enough despite facing some of the league's toughest pass defenses on the road. In three road games against the Seahawks, Lions and Dolphins, Rodgers threw five touchdowns to only one interception. In his other six games, Rodgers connected on 20 touchdowns with only two interceptions.

Most impressively, Rodgers has dominated at home. In four home games, Rodgers has thrown for 15 touchdowns without an interception. In these games, the Packers are averaging 41.5 points per game. With seven games remaining, the Packers are scheduled to play four at home. The three road games? Those come against the Vikings, Bills and Buccaneers. Green Bay should be the favorite in those games.

2011	28 TD	3 INT	129.6 RAT
2014	25 TD	3 INT	120.1 RAT

Expect Rodgers to continue dominating as the favorable schedule will allow him to continue putting up numbers reminiscent of his 2011 season.

Emergence of Eddie Lacy in the Passing Game

Rodgers has had plenty of healthy receiving options to throw to this season. Receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are both on pace to reach 1,000 receiving yards. Nelson leads the team with 889 yards and has also added eight touchdowns. Cobb leads the squad with 10 touchdowns and has a respectable 650 yards receiving. As long as these two remain healthy, Rodgers should be able to keep opposing defenses honest with Cobb's sure hands and Nelson's deep threat.

However, the emergence of Eddie Lacy in the passing game will force opposing defensive coordinators to plan against another weapon.

Tom Lynn/Getty Images

In his past two contests, Lacy has 11 receptions for 191 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown. Although these numbers are not typical for Lacy, the Packers may be on to something. Throughout the season, Lacy has struggled to find holes in the running game. However, he has looked decisive and at some points explosive with the ball in his hands in the open field. 

If Rodgers can continue to rely on Lacy as a pass-catcher, defenses will need to respect the screen game. This should open up the field even more for Cobb and Nelson to torch opposing secondaries.

Ability to Take Care of the Football

Entering Week 11, no quarterback has turned the ball over less than Rodgers. With only three interceptions and one fumble lost, the Packers feel secure with the ball in their quarterback's hands. 

Rodgers' mobility has helped him limit turnovers throughout the season. His ability to avoid the rush and deliver the ball accurately also separates him from other MVP candidates such as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. 

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The few turnovers that Rodgers has had this season have actually been unlucky. All three of his interceptions came off of his receivers' hands and landed in the arms of the defense. Additionally, two of these interceptions came after a hamstring pull versus the Saints that left Rodgers a bit out of sync.

Expect Rodgers to take care of the ball in his final seven games, especially with the NFC North title still within reach. 

Rodgers has simply been brilliant this season and has his team in position to be serious contenders in the NFC. With a favorable schedule approaching, he has a great chance to lead the NFL in passer rating, touchdown-interception ratio and even touchdown passes. Expect voters to look back at the midseason MVP voting breakdown and wonder how Rodgers was not in that conversation.

It is now his award to lose.