NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Rating the MVP Race

With half of the season already over, the League's best players are in the thick of the MVP race.

Once again, the list is riddled with some very familiar names: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and others.

However, there are also some new comers to the list that have shaken up the rankings.

So, let's take a look at where the MVP race stands as we move past the middle of the season.

10. LaDainian Tomlinson

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

LaDainian Tomlinson has had quite the career revival in New York, currently averaging 5.0 yards per carry with five touchdowns on the season.

After being unceremoniously tossed from his long time home in San Diego, Tomlinson seemed truly to be out for vengeance this season, and he is clearly proving to the San Diego Chargers, and the entire League at that, that there is still gas left in the tank.

The only thing keeping him on the bottom of this list: consistency. Tomlinson couldn't get anywhere against Green Bay, and was largely ineffective against Denver two weeks ago (despite his two touchdowns).

9. Tamba Hali

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Andy Studebaker #96 and Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate after a tackle during the game against the Buffalo Bills on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/

The Chiefs might be the biggest surprise in the NFL this year, and Tamba Hali is truly one of the major keys to their success.

Hali is a defensive giant, posting 21 tackles and seven sacks over the span of seven games. Hali is a major reason why the Chiefs are at 5-2 and the have a sizable lead on the AFC West, and he deserves this kind of recognition.

8. Drew Brees

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks for a receiver during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images)

I know, you're surprised, right?

The fact of the matter, the Saints have had a rough going over the last few games, and Brees can be held responsible for that.

He is still on of the best passers in the League, and he is the driving force behind the New Orleans Saints, but he continues to throw picks every game and it is starting to cost them.

7. Adrian Peterson

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Adrian Peterson #28 the Minnesota Vikings is stopped against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Consistency is the problem here once again.

Adrian Peterson is still one of the best, if not the best, running backs in the game right now, and you can see why. Peterson is the perfect combination of speed, size, and shiftiness, and he makes watching the Minnesota Vikings play very, very fun.

However, he has had a few games where he just hasn't quite gotten it done, like this last week against New England. He may have posted 92 yards, but he was stood up on the goal line, and generally seemed to be having a hard time getting out of his own backfield.

6. Sam Bradford

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 31: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against Eric Norwood #92 of the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 31, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Panthers 20-10. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

There's a part of me that wants to believe that Sam Bradford is worthy of a higher spot on this list, but the fact of the matter is the Rams would have to more or less win every game for the rest of the season for Sam Bradford to be considered in the Top 3.

Bradford has undoubtedly been the leader in the revival of the St. Louis Rams. He has played outstanding football for not having an offensive line to keep him safe or a consistent receiving group. He shows all of the poise of a veteran player, and he continues to improve every single week.

What is there not to like about this kid right now?

5. Philip Rivers

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks down field for an open receiver against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeate

There are times in my life where I have to swallow my pride and be completely honest with myself, and, as a Chargers fan, this is one of them.

First thing's first: No passer in the history of the NFL has thrown for more yards than Philip Rivers has through eight games. That is all the more impressive considering the fact that he has been down to Patrick Crayton, Seyi Ajirotutu, and Gary Banks for the last two weeks.

That having been said, Rivers has thrown a few costly interceptions and he has had a lot of key fumbles, including the one that was returned for a touchdown to ice the game in Oakland.

Rivers is a great player, but he's being brought down by costly errors by both himself and by the team.

4. Kyle Orton

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Orton #8 of Denver Broncos gives instructions during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This is the fourth occasi

Voters likely won't be this kind to Kyle Orton on account of the record of the Denver Broncos, but he nonetheless deserves to be here.

Orton is playing out of his mind football right now, and he is the main reason why the Broncos are staying competitive in most of their games.

Orton leads the League's No. 4 ranked passing offense, and all without the help of Brandon Marshall. That's just plain impressive.

3. Clay Matthews

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a play as LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets looks on on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIs

Had it not been for his injury, Matthews would likely be at the top of this list.

Clay Matthews is a monster, constantly finding his way into the backfield to stop runners and take down quarterbacks. In seven games, he has posted 9.5 sacks and 27 tackles. That is unbelievable.

If Matthews continues to stay healthy and play the kind of football that he has been playing all year, he could very well end up as the League MVP.

2. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Peyton Manning #18 of Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Peyton Manning has had some errors this year, but, for the most part, he is the Peyton Manning we are all familiar with, the one who deserves to have his team named after him, considering how important he is to them.

Not much can be said about Manning that hasn't already been said. The only thing keeping him from the No. 1 spot is the fact that, ironically, he is not as central to the Colts as our No. 1 is to his team. Now that the Colts seem to have found something good in the running game in the form of Mike Hart, Manning can feel safe taking a step back from the action every now and then.

1. Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Tom Brady #12 of New England Patriots gives a thumbs up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Who else could it be, honestly?

Tom Brady continues to be the reason why the Patriots are succeeding, and anyone who watches New England can see why.

Brady can throw to anyone at any distance, whether he is on the run or in the pocket. The Patriots recent game against Minnesota is a great indicator. Not only did he throw very well from the pocket, but he threw a long touchdown pass while rolling out with pressure in his face.

Tom Brady is the reason why the Patriots boast the best record in the League, and he is clearly at the top of this list.

The Man Who Should Be Here, But Isn't: Ryan Fitzpatrick

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills passes during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

No voter in their right mind would every consider Ryan Fitzpatrick as being in the Top 10, but you have to admit, Fitzpatrick has been central to the revival of the Buffalo Bills.

He makes a lot of mistakes, yes, but he has kept them competitive against top teams like the Baltimore Ravens. He deserves at least some credit for his efforts.

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

I'm sure you all have your own lists, so go ahead, the comments section is beckoning.

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