Giving Thanks For This Year's Top Peformers: Who Are The NFL's MVP Candidates?

Since it's Thanksgiving, how about we thank the NFL's top performers so far this season.

Here are my top candidates for the prestigious MVP Award.

Philip Rivers—Quarterback, San Diego

Although they struggled early on this season, the Chargers have clocked up three straight wins.

If it wasn't for Philip Rivers, their season would be all but over.

The Bolts are still alive at 5-5; only one game behind the AFC West leaders, the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers possess the best passing offense in the league.

Rivers is on pace to join Dan Marino and Drew Brees in becoming only the third player in history to pass for over 5000 yards in a season.

The former NC State man has thrown for 23 touchdowns with a 105.0 rating and could get even hotter as the Chargers start to get going.

Michael Vick—Quarterback, Philadelphia

Talk about looking after the football.

Michael Vick is yet to throw an interception, and only lost his first fumble on Sunday, which is impressive, considering he's had 55 rushing attempts.

The speedy quarterback is definitely making the most of his second chance in the NFL.

Vick has thrown for 11 touchdowns and rushed for five.

His startling performances have helped the Eagles top the NFC East, making him a front-runner for the MVP Award.

Roddy White—Wide Receiver, Atlanta

Probably the only serious candidate who is not a Quarterback, Roddy White has caused some serious problems for opposing defenses.

While he may not have been a preseason candidate, Matt Ryan's favorite target is on the shortlist now.

The Falcons' receiver already has 1000 yards receiving under his belt, and that's in just 10 games.

Rowdy Roddy White can't be covered, he could be on his way to becoming the first wide receiver ever to win the MVP Award.

Peyton Manning—Quarterback, Indianapolis

When there's talk of MVP candidates, Peyton Manning is always in the mix.

Without Manning, the Colts' offense just wouldn't function.

Throwing for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns, his numbers aren't quite as impressive as Rivers, but he is still amongst the league leaders in yards and touchdowns.

If he continues to do what he does best—throw the football—Peyton has a chance of becoming MVP for the third year in a row.

Tom Brady—Quarterback, New England

Another one of NFL's elite quarterbacks, Tom Brady is in the hunt for his second MVP Award. 

Brady hasn't put up the numbers he did in 2007, but the Patriots are 8-2 and he's still playing tremendously.

The former sixth round draft pick has passed for 2.362 yards to go along with 19 touchdowns and could be on his way to another Super Bowl ring.

Clay Matthews—Green Bay?

Every year there's talk of a defensive player making his case for the NFL's MVP.

This year the most worthy defensive candidate is Clay Matthews.

The Green Bay Packers' linebacker leads the league with 11.5 sacks. In only his second year, the former USC Trojan has stepped up to become the leader of the tough Packers defense.

Conclusion

With no running backs having an MVP type year, it looks like it's going to come down to one of the quarterbacks.

Rivers is the leading candidate for me, but he could be hurt by the Chargers record. If they fail to make the playoffs, he won't have a chance and will be snubbed like he was for the Heisman Trophy. 

This could open the door for Vick if he maintains his impressive level of performance.

However, talking about how valuable a player is to their team, it's hard to rule out Manning and Brady. They are true franchise quarterbacks and pivotal to their team's success.

In today's NFL anything could happen, so don't rule out the likes of Roddy White.

With the season far from over, we could see some new candidates emerging.