Michael Vick, Philip Rivers and the Top 5 Candidates for NFL MVP

What a season it has been so far in the NFL. Unlikely teams are in the hunt for a playoff berth, and players have rebounded from past issues to putting up jaw-dropping numbers.

Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning has won the last two MVP awards and four of the last seven. Peyton might have to slide over for someone else this year, because players such as Michael Vick and Philip Rivers are having outstanding seasons.

Here are the top five candidates to take home the Most Valuable Player.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 27: Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons against the Buffalo Bills at Georgia Dome on December 27, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Roddy White has always been a top receiver in the National Football League, but this season, the sixth-year man out of UAB is making a run at MVP. If White were to win the award, he would be the first wide receiver in NFL history to win MVP.

With players such as Tom Brady and Philip Rivers having the seasons they are, it will be difficult for White to win MVP, but he is most certainly a candidate.

No. 84 is first in the NFL in receptions and second in yards. He is also tied for second in touchdown receptions.

Stats going into Week 11: 70 receptions, 934 yards, seven touchdowns, 103.8 yards per game

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 14: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 23-17. (Photo by

Peyton Manning has won the Most Valuable Player two years in a row, and he is certainly one of the favorites to win it this season as well.

Peyton Manning might be the most valuable player to his team in the history of the NFL, but he might have a tough time bringing home his third consecutive and fifth overall. Manning is handling business as usual and is amongst the league leaders in yards and touchdowns.

Stats going into Week 11: 2,663 yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions, 93.9 quarterback rating

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

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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)

New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady might be holding a thumbs up at the end of the season if he wins MVP, because he has a good shot.

Granted, Brady is not putting up amazing numbers, but considering what he is working with, he has the Patriots at 7-2 tied for the lead in the AFC East. Brady is used to not having big names to throw to, and he does not mind being he won three Super Bowl rings during that time.

Brady won MVP in 2007, and he might be a two-time winner when all is set and done.

Stats going into Week 11: 2,176 yards, 17 touchdowns, four interceptions, 98.8 quarterback rating

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers walks off the field after the Chargers fumbled the ball against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/

San Diego Chargers' quarterback has had many reasons to hold his head down this season, but it has not been for personal play. It is because the Chargers are 4-5 and in third place in the AFC West.

Despite the rough start, Rivers has the Chargers on a two-game winning streak and is on pace to break Dan Marino's single season passing yards record of 5,084. Rivers is atop the league in passing yards and tied for first in the league with Eli Manning for touchdown passes.

If Rivers leads the Chargers to the playoffs, he should walk away with MVP.

Stats going into Week 11: 2,944 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 102.9 quarterback rating

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

After being absent from the National Football League for two years, Michael Vick is back and probably better than ever. Vick is putting up incredible numbers with the Eagles and is the front runner to win MVP.

Vick has the Eagles tied for first place in the NFC East with the New York Giants and has a big showdown with them on Sunday night. The most amazing thing Vick has done this year is committing ZERO turnovers—not an interception nor a fumble.

If Vick continues his outstanding play, he should win MVP by a landslide

Stats going into Week 11: 1,350 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 115.1 quarterback rating (No. 1 in the NFL), 341 rushing yards, four touchdowns