Comparing Aaron Rodgers to Other 2014 NFL MVP Candidates

We are now through 13 weeks of the 2014 NFL season with just four weeks to go. Based on their performances throughout the season so far, I would say that six players definitely deserve NFL MVP consideration.

The 2014 season has been the year of the quarterback in the NFL, so it makes sense to know that four of my six candidates to win the MVP award are indeed quarterbacks.

There are currently eight qualified starting quarterbacks with a passer rating over 100. That is amazing—especially knowing that only one quarterback in NFL history has a career mark of over 100. That would be Aaron Rodgers (106.5) of the Green Bay Packers, who coincidentally is one my candidates to win the award this year.

In fact, Rodgers leads all quarterbacks in passer rating this season as well with a mark of 118.6.

The four quarterbacks on my list are all on teams that lead their respective divisions in the NFL after 13 weeks.

The other two candidates I have are far and above the best players at their position this season based on their performance so far in 2014. Both are on teams that are in definite contention for playoff spots this postseason too.

But at this point of the season, I would lean heavily in the direction of Rodgers, who is having almost a mirror image of the year he had in 2011, when No. 12 was named NFL MVP that season.

Let's take a look at the six players on my list who deserve NFL MVP consideration.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers

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When Aaron Rodgers won the NFL MVP in 2011, he threw 45 touchdown passes versus just six interceptions for 4,643 yards. That added up to a passer rating of 122.5, which is the best single-season mark in NFL history.

So far in 2014, Rodgers has thrown 32 touchdown passes versus just three picks for 3,325 yards. No. 12's passer rating is currently 118.6.

Rodgers is on pace for 43 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions for 4,433 yards. If his passer rating stay the same as it is currently, it would be the fourth-best single-season mark in NFL history.

The former California Golden Bear also leads the NFL with 14 completions of over 40 yards.

Add to that the fact Rodgers has led the Packers to a 9-3 record, which leads the NFC North and is also tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the best record in the NFC. Currently, the Packers would be the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Packers started the season with a 1-2 record, and many fans of the team were concerned. Rodgers then uttered his now-famous response of R-E-L-A-X on his ESPN Milwaukee radio show.

I think Packer Nation is relaxing now.

Quarterback Peyton Manning

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Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos is having another fabulous season in 2014. No. 18 has thrown 36 touchdown passes versus nine interceptions for 3,737 yards. That adds up to a passer rating of 107.8, which is second among all candidates behind Aaron Rodgers (118.6).

The former Tennessee Volunteer also leads the NFL in touchdown tosses.

Manning has already won the NFL MVP award five times, including winning the honor last season.

Manning has led the Broncos to a 9-3 record this season, which leads the AFC West and also ties Denver with the New England Patriots for the best record in the AFC.

The Broncos are currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Quarterback Tom Brady

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After a rough start to the 2014 season, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is having another very good season. Brady has thrown 28 touchdown passes versus six interceptions for 3,243 yards. That adds up to a passer rating of 101.1.

No. 12 has also won the NFL MVP award twice, the last time being in 2010.

The former Michigan Wolverine has also led the New England Patriots to a 9-3 record, which leads the AFC East and also is tied with the Broncos for the best record in the AFC.

Currently, the Patriots are the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Quarterback Andrew Luck

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Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts is having a stellar season so far in 2014 and leads the NFL in a number of passing categories.

So far, Luck has thrown 34 touchdown passes versus 11 interceptions for 4,011 yards. That adds up to a passer rating of 103.0.

Luck leads the league in yards passing, yards per game (334.2) and with 62 completions of 20 or more yards. The next closest competitor is Peyton Manning, who has 49.

The former Stanford Cardinal has also led the Colts to an 8-4 record, which is tops in the AFC South. That makes them the No. 4 seed in the AFC currently.

Running Back DeMarco Murray

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Running back DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys leads the NFL in rushing with 1,427 yards plus has eight rushing touchdowns. The yardage mark tops his closest competitor, Le'Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers, by 381 yards.

His yards-per-rush average is a robust 5.0 per carry.

Murray also has 44 receptions for 343 more yards.

The former Oklahoma Sooner needs to average just over 143 yards over the next four games to get to 2,000 yards rushing for the season.

Murray's quarterback, Tony Romo, is also having a great season. Romo has thrown 22 touchdown passes versus eight interceptions for 2,718 yards. That adds up to a 106.2 passer rating.

The Cowboys are second in the NFC East with an 8-4 record. Dallas is currently on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, as it is seeded at No. 7.

Defensive End J.J. Watt

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Defensive end J.J. Watt is having another great season defensively; plus he is also causing some damage offensively as well.

Watt is the front-runner for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, as he has 11.5 sacks, which is tied for fifth in the NFL. Overall, Watt has 54 tackles.

Watt has also leads the league in fumble recoveries with five, and he returned one of those recoveries for a touchdown. Watt has also forced three fumbles, which is tied for fourth in the league.

In addition to that, No. 99 has an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown. The former Wisconsin Badger also has defensed eight passes.

Watt has been a threat near the goal line on offense too, as he has three catches which have all been for touchdowns. Watt originally played tight end at Central Michigan before transferring to Wisconsin.

The Houston Texans have a 6-6 record and are in second place in the AFC South. Houston is currently the No. 12 seed in the AFC.