2014-15 NFL MVP: Predictions for Players with Best Chances to Win After Week 17

The 2014-15 NFL season has been one of the wildest in recent memory, and fittingly, the chase to crown this year’s Most Valuable Player has also been one of the closest in years.

With top stars like Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers, New England’s Tom Brady, Houston’s J.J. Watt and more helping to carry their respective teams throughout the year, the race to be the league’s MVP has been fiercer than any football fan could have imagined.

Here is the latest predicted finishing order for the MVP race and the two players who deserve the honor the most.

Player	Team	Position	Predicted Order
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB	Green Bay	QB	Second
J.J. Watt (HOU)	Houston	DE	First
Tom Brady (NE) QB	New England	QB	Fourth
Tony Romo (DAL) QB	Dallas	QB	Third
Demarco Murray (DAL) RB	Dallas	RB	Fifth
Peyton Manning (DEN) QB	Denver	QB	Sixth
Andrew Luck (IND) QB	Indianapolis	QB	Eighth
Le'Veon Bell (PIT) RB	Pittsburgh	RB	Seventh

Most Deserving MVP Candidates

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

The clear-cut MVP favorite for most fans is Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, Rodgers led his team to yet another postseason berth despite a calf injury.

While the Green Bay defense has shown serious weakness at points this season, Rodgers has been the steadying force who has helped lead the team to several hard-fought victories. With 4,381 passing yards for 38 touchdowns and five interceptions, it’s impossible to deny Rodgers’ impact.

When asked about what gives Rodgers the edge over Watt, Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report told Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette what goes into his MVP vote:

"

A player like J.J. Watt has been about as valuable as a defensive player can be. But when a quarterback has the type of year that Rodgers is having, it's almost impossible for a player at any other position to be more valuable than him, in my opinion. The combination of the importance of the quarterback position and the excellence of performance gives a player like Rodgers an advantage.

"

The key to Rodgers' success has been the reliance of the team on his arm. Running back Eddie Lacy has been solid this season, but much of his success has been due to the defensive respect Rodgers demands from opponents.

The Packers offensive line has been inconsistent this season, but the ability of Rodgers to pass the ball quickly has alleviated much of the pressure on the linemen. One of the veteran quarterback’s biggest strengths is his ability to make teammates around him better.

That’s what the MVP award is all about.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is a freak of nature and a huge reason why the team won Sunday and almost snuck into the postseason. While Houston missed the playoffs, it wasn’t from a lack of effort from Watt.

In Sunday’s must-win matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watt racked up six total tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety. In the process, Watt became the first player in league history to amass two seasons of 20-or-more sacks.

Jennifer Hale of Fox Sports asked the question on many peoples’ minds:

Despite several changes at quarterback throughout the season, Houston found itself in playoff contention in Week 17 due to the defensive unit. The Texans’ secondary has been susceptible throughout the year, but Watt’s relentless presence has helped lead the franchise to several key victories.

MVP voters may be more enamored with the play and importance of the quarterback position, but the award is for the most valuable player, and Houston would be nothing this season if it wasn’t for the work ethic and presence of Watt.

While he may not win, Watt is the most deserving MVP candidate.

*Stats via NFL.com.