NFL Week 17: Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Mike Vick and the Top 12 MVP Candidates

With only Week 17 remaining to be played in the 2010 regular season, who are my Deserving Dozen NFL MVP candidates?

If you have been following my previous four installments, you may be wondering why this is a top 12 and not a more traditional top 10.

Two reasons: Ten just did not seem to be enough, and I thought about a top 20 for this week. Also, why not? After No. 1, it’s a crapshoot anyway.

But the bigger question is: How far, if at all, did Michael Vick fall after losing to Joe Webb and the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday Night Football?

Did any candidate from last week’s list drop off this week’s list, and did anybody new grab one of these vaunted 12 spots? There was a little movement, but you’ll just have to read on.

The MVP—Historically

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3 Dec 2000: Kurt Warner #13 of the St. Louis Rams drops back to pass the ball during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the Rams 16-3.Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran /Alls

In reviewing the Associated Press MVP award for the last 11 years, it is clear that quarterbacks are the favorites. And if it's not a quarterback, then a running back is likely to win.

Three running backs have won the award since 1999: Marshall Faulk in 2000, Shaun Alexander (remember him?) in 2005 and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006.

Otherwise, Kurt Warner (pictured) has won it twice, Peyton Manning three-and-a-half times with the other half going to the late Steve McNair and Rich Gannon and Tom Brady have both taken home the hardware once each.

Are you looking for a wide receiver? Well, keep looking. The incomparable Jerry Rice took home most of the postseason awards in 1987, but lost the AP vote to John Elway.

That's about it for the last 50 years, and the only offensive player other than a quarterback or a running back to take home the award since 1970 was Mark Moseley (a place kicker) in that strange, strike-shortened 1982 season.

If you're looking for a defensive player, step away: There's little to see here.

The original LT, Lawrence Taylor, garnered the award in 1986 and Alan Page, a far superior citizen, did so in 1971.

This is not to suggest that I am only looking at quarterbacks, but the NFL is increasingly a quarterback's league, and any realistic list should reflect that.

Last Week’s Deserving Dozen

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry F

Last Week's Top 12 MVP Candidates:

12—DeSean Jackson (Eagles)

11—Jamaal Charles (Chiefs)

10—Peyton Manning (Colts)

 9—Matt Cassel (Chiefs)

 8—Maurice Jones-Drew (Jags)

 7—Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

 6—Roddy White (Falcons)

 5—Matt Ryan (Falcons)

4—Drew Brees (Saints)

3—Philip Rivers (Chargers)

2—Michael Vick (Eagles)

1—Tom Brady (Patriots)

10 out of the above 12 candidates made this week’s list (You’re on hiatus; DeSean and Maurice), but there was a lot of movement within those 12 spots.

A shout-out to MJD: I love your game, your initials and what you mean to your team. But without a playoff berth, are you more deserving than non-playoff backs like Arian Foster and Adrian Peterson, or playoff backs like LeSean McCoy, Ray Rice and Michael Turner?

We also welcome two new candidates (both quarterbacks, of course) to our rankings—one of whom vaulted over lots of names. Why?

A) Because I can, so he can (and I may have unintentionally been snubbing him.)

B) This is not an exact science; the whole ball of wax is re-examined each week by a well-trained team of football-ologists. We also employ lab mice who continually ponder who moved their cheese and goalposts.

Other than right here, the lab mice regret that they could not find room for (in no particular order): Maurice Jones-Drew, Josh Freeman (pictured), Dwayne Bowe, DeSean Jackson, Jay Cutler, Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, or defensive players such as Clay Matthews and Troy Polamalu.

So, who did they make room for on this installment of the Deserving Dozen?

12. Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

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

Week 16

22-32 (68.8 percent) for 320 yards (10.0 YPA), one TD and one lost fumble in win over the Panthers.

Comments

Big Ben has not had his very best year, but he has been typically solid.

As of now, the Steelers are the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and are 8-3 with Roethlisberger at the helm.

Ben is still a great combination of strength, toughness, accuracy and clutch play.

11. Jamaal Charles (Chiefs)

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Week 16

Thirteen carries for 77 yards (5.9 YPC), and four catches for 40 yards and two TDs in a win over the Titans (remember them?).

Comments

Jamaal Charles is second in the league in rushing yards (1,380), and has, by far, the best yards-per-carry average in the NFL—6.4.

The third-year running back from the University of Texas is the key member of (arguably) the NFL’s best running attack.

With Foster and Jones-Drew dropping off the Deserving Dozen, he is our lone representative from the running backs union.

10. Peyton Manning (Colts)

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Week 16

16-30 (53.3 percent) for 179 yards (6.0 YPA) three TDs and two INTs in a win over the Raiders.

Surprisingly, Manning also carried three times for 25 yards.

Comment

Peyton has bounced back nicely from an uncharacteristically horrific stretch to lead the Colts to three straight wins, with only a win over the tanking Tennessee Titans standing between them and yet another division title.

Manning did not have a banner day against the Raiders, but did just enough to win.

Even in an off-year by his considerable standards, Peyton leads the NFL in passing yards. His passer rating, hampered by his 17 interceptions, is his lowest since 2002-03.

9. Matt Cassel (Chiefs)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Week 16

24-34 (70.6 percent) for 314 yards (9.2 YPA) three TDs and no INTs in a win over the Titans.

Cassel also carried three times for 20 yards.

Comments

Cassel had a very solid day, in leading the Chiefs to the win that catapulted them into the playoffs.

Matt’s numbers don't overwhelm, other than his 27-5 touchdown/interception ratio, and his 10-4 record as the starting quarterback for the surprising Chiefs.

He seems to be a fixture in my No. 9 slot; it just seems right for him. Maybe he should change his uniform number.

8. Roddy White (Falcons)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a first half touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Week 16

Three receptions for 43 yards (14.3 YPC) and one touchdown in a loss to the Saints. 

Comments

White is having a monster season for what is essentially a running team. He leads all NFL wide receivers in receptions (109) and is second (1,327) in total yards on receptions for the 12-3 Falcons.

To be frank, I would pick either of the Johnsons (Andre or Calvin, both of whom are stuck on bad teams), Larry Fitzgerald (bad team with bad quarterbacks) and maybe another wideout or two if starting a team, but White's contributions this season should not be discounted.

7. Joe Flacco (Ravens)

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Week 16

12-19 (63.2 percent), 102 yards (5.4 YPA), three TDs and one INT in a win over the Browns.

Comments

The third-year quarterback marks his debut on the Deserving Dozen with a solid No. 7 position.

It's not as if he had a huge week last week, but Flacco has gotten a little better each year and he has played quite well for the 11-4 Ravens.

One reason I put him this high is that his stats are almost identical, if even a little better, than those of his fellow third-year quarterback out of the Philadelphia area, Matt Ryan, who leads the 12-3 Falcons.

In fact, Flacco just earned his third straight trip to t he playoffs in as many years; Ryan will be making his second appearance.

6. Philip Rivers (Chargers)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass during the Chargers 34-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Imag

Week 16

27-40 (67.5 percent) for 256 yards (6.4 YPA) one TD and one pick in a loss to the Bengals.

Comments

Cry me some Rivers?

Ouch! You can't lose to the Bengals when still in the playoff hunt, and Rivers did not play his best game in Cincy.

I still kept him fairly high on this list, as he has been almost solely responsible for keeping the Chargers in playoff contention (most of) this season.

The Chargers passing attack is second in the NFL in yards per game, and Rivers still has the second-highest passer rating (103.9) behind Tom Brady.

Rivers continues to throw for a high completion percentage (66.7 percent) and a bunch of touchdowns (30) while limiting his interceptions (12). He leads all quarterbacks in yards per attempt (8.7).

5. Matt Ryan (Falcons)

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks upfield during warm-ups prior to the start of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran

Week 16

12-19 (63.2 percent), 102 yards (5.4 YPA), one TD in a loss to the Saints.

Ryan also rushed three times for 16 yards.

Comments

I’m not exactly sure where to place Matty Ice, the impressive third-year quarterback from Boston College.

He has led the Falcons to the No. 1 seed in the NFC (barring an upcoming total breakdown and loss to the Panthers), so he may deserve a higher place.

On the other hand (to me), while I respect his knack for winning games, there are at least 10 quarterbacks having better years statistically.

Ryan has not wowed anyone the last several weeks, but his Falcons figure to be just two home playoff victories away from their first Super Bowl appearance since their Dirty Bird days.

He’s kind of like Matt Cassel (and not just because of their first names, or mine), but probably a little better, and he’s playing for a better team.

As for this Matt, I was a sometimes spectacular, if erratic, intramural college quarterback, with a knack for losing close games. I never won an intramural title and was somehow overlooked in the draft. My consolation: It was a deep year for quarterbacks.

4. Drew Brees (Saints)

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Dree Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy

Week 16

35-49 (71.4 percent) for 302 yards (6.2 YPA), one TD and two INTs in a win over the Falcons.

Comments

Brees was having a tough game against the Falcons but rallied for a late score to lead the Saints to their big 17-14 win in Atlanta.

Does anyone want to discount the Saints’ chances of repeating as NFC champs with Brees at the helm?

Brees is—somewhat under the radar—having another strong year; he is second in the NFL in both passing yards (behind Peyton Manning) and touchdowns (Tom Brady).

On the downside, his 21 interceptions trail only Eli Manning.

3. Michael Vick (Eagles)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 26: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Week 16

26-43 (58.1 percent) for 263 yards (6.1 YPA) one TD and one INT in a loss to the Vikings.

Vick also rushed 8 times for 63 yards (7.9 YPC) but lost two fumbles.

Comments

Michael Vick has had a sensational year, and being ranked as the No. 3 MVP candidate after missing several games this season is quite an achievement. No need to even discuss everything he has rebounded from.

Last night, however, was a bad loss for Vick and his Eagles, who lost a great opportunity to secure the No. 2 seed, and a bye, in the playoffs. On the bright side, they did win the NFC East, thanks in large part to Vick’s heroics, and regardless of what they do this week versus Dallas, they will host the 3-6 Wild Card game.

Vick is the third-ranked passer in the NFL and obviously brings another dimension with his marvelous, unique skills as a runner.

2. Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is chased out of the pocket against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Week 16

25-37 (67.6  percent), 404 yards (10.9 YPA), four TD in a win over the Giants.

Rodgers also rushed twice for 26 yards.

Comments

Rodgers rebounded in a huge way by staging a dominating performance in a must-win game against the Giants. He had sat out the previous game with his second concussion of the season. You think the Packers missed him?

As such he makes the biggest jump (a Lambeau Leap?) on the Deserving Dozen, from No. 7 to No. 2. Now he must beat the Bears at home to get his team into the playoffs to stay in the top three or so.

Rodgers is as talented as anyone at the position today (with the possible exception of Michael Vick), and he does so many things to keep his team competitive.

He’s big, mobile, strong-armed, accurate and a great leader. (Otherwise, I’m not much of a fan.)

He also was not voted to the Pro Bowl this year. Hey, Vick’s been amazing, Brees is great and Ryan has had a very solid year, but Rodgers would be my first or second pick in the NFC.

1. Tom Brady (Patriots)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game on October 1, 2007 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Week 16

15-27 (55.6 percent) for 140 yards (5.2 YPA), three TDs in a win over the Bills.

Comments

No, Brady did not have a monster game, but it was yet another win and another game without a turnover for the best quarterback on the planet.

Brady is the best player (by far) on the best team in the NFL, and statistically (quite handily) having the best year of all NFL quarterbacks.

The combination of his performance and Michael Vick's stumble last night should make him a unanimous pick.

(Please note: I am a lifelong Eagles fan who also dislikes Bill Belichick. Having said that, I admit to having nothing but admiration for Brady, who I've felt has been the best quarterback in the league for many years.)

I've run out of superlatives to describe Tom Brady, who is arguably the greatest winning quarterback in modern NFL history right up there with the likes of Joe Montana and Otto Graham (if considered modern).

And no offense to Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead and company, but who exactly is he surrounded by?

Stay tuned for my last installment of the Deserving Dozen next week, as things tend to change rapidly in today's NFL.

Now it’s time for your thoughts.

Please fire away below, and thank you for reading.

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