NFL MVP Race: Tom Brady and 10 Other QBs Who Deserve the Award

The quarterback position has gotten more and more important in recent years in the NFL.

Simply put, a team can't make the playoffs anymore unless they have a great quarterback taking snaps.

Therefore, it's no surprise that this year's MVP race appears to be a three quarterback race between Tom Brady, Michael Vick and Peyton Manning.

But, there are plenty of quarterbacks who have had amazing years and deserve a thought for the NFL MVP award.

Here are 11 quarterbacks who deserve to be considered for the Most Valuable Player award.

11. Sam Bradford

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams scrambles to pass the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeate

Bradford won't win the MVP award, but I still want to give him credit here.

Bradford took the reins of a team that finished 1-15 last year and has them within reach of a playoff spot (albeit with a 6-8 record).

Still, that's an improvement of five wins so far, and if the Rams make the playoffs, it will turn into one of the best things to happen to the Rams since the Greatest Show on Turf.

10. Matt Cassel

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

We all saw how important Matt Cassel is to the Chiefs last week when they failed to score against the San Diego Chargers with Brodie Croyle under center.

Though the Chiefs have the league's best running game, they need Cassel in order to win.

If Croyle is under center, teams will stack the line of scrimmage to stop the running game.

9. Ben Roethlisberger

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Steelers' defense is the unquestioned MVP of this team, but Roethlisberger is the offensive MVP.

His size, speed and strength give him the ability to do things on a football field that no one else in the NFL can do.

His playmaking ability is a major reason the Steelers are in position to grab a first-round bye in the AFC.

8. David Garrard

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars passes against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Garrard has just short of 2,500 yards on the season. He's thrown 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions to go with that.

Those numbers aren't too impressive on paper, but it's been exactly what the Jaguars have needed this season.

Standing at 8-6, the Jaguars have a realistic shot of making the playoffs, and it's in large part because of what Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew have been able to accomplish.

7. Drew Brees

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints passes against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens lead the Saints at the half 21-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The Saints haven't been nearly as dominant as they were last year, but they have a strong grasp on the No. 5 seed in the NFC and could make some noise in the playoffs.

Brees has thrown for over 4,000 yards and has 31 touchdowns in a year where the Saints running game has been decimated by injuries.

6. Matt Ryan

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-18. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons are an improbable 12-2 this year.

They are also unbeatable at home.

Ryan has his team ready to make some noise in the playoffs and possibly lead the team to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

5. Aaron Rodgers

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field at halftime after leaving the game with a concussion while playing the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/

Though Matt Flynn proved himself a worthy backup Sunday night against the Patriots, the Packers are 0-2 without Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers is the key to the Packers' offense. Without him, they don't stand a chance of making the playoffs.

His leadership was sorely missed during the last minute of last night's game.

4. Philip Rivers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Rivers has thrown for over 4,000 yards this season and has tossed 29 touchdowns to a group of misfit receivers.

With suspensions and injuries to many of his top receivers and his favorite tight end, Rivers has been throwing to a bunch of castoffs all season.

He's been making them look like Pro Bowlers though, and has the Chargers in the hunt for the playoffs.

3. Peyton Manning

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts won 30-28. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Manning has already thrown for over 4,200 yards this season and has 28 touchdown passes.

His 15 interceptions will keep him from winning the MVP most likely, but he's had to deal with a fair share of injuries to his offense as well.

Austin Collie has emerged as Manning's favorite receiver, but he can't stay on the field due to concussion problems.

Still, if the Colts manage to make the playoffs, it will once again prove just how valuable No. 18 really is.

2. Michael Vick

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Without Michael Vick, the Eagles are a 6-10 team at best.

There's just no defense for a quarterback who can run and throw as well as Vick can.

He's led the Eagles to an improbable first place in the NFC East and could earn them a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Oh, and his best stat you ask? He's only thrown five interceptions this year.

1. Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks to his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won th

Unfortunately for everyone else on this list, Tom Brady has been spectacular for the Patriots this season, leading them to a 12-2 record so far.

Brady has been playing with a fire and intensity that we've never seen from him before and the Patriots will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC when the playoffs begin.

The way Brady has been playing, it wouldn't be surprising to see him win his fourth Super Bowl ring at the end of the year.

And he'll probably add an MVP trophy to his shelf as well.