NFL MVP Race: Philip Rivers and the Top 10 MVP Candidates for the 2011 Season

The 2010 NFL MVP race appears to be between Tom Brady and Michael Vick, with Brady holding the slight edge.

But, if there isn't a lockout next season, there will be a more wide open battle for MVP.

Injuries and team struggles have hurt a couple players on this list, like Aaron Rodgers and Arian Foster, but 2011 is a new year and a new chance to showcase their skills.

So, while it's possible next year could also come down to an MVP race between Brady and Vick, it's highly unlikely that the rest of the players on the list won't be involved in some capacity.

Here are the 10 early favorites for 2011 NFL MVP.

10. Jay Cutler

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears scrambles against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Cutler has become more familiar with Mike Martz's offensive system this season.

If he continues his improvement next season, the Bears will be a force.

They've already locked up the No. 2 seed in the NFC this season, so an improved Cutler means a No. 1 seed in 2011 isn't out of reach.

9. Arian Foster

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DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texas rushes with the ball as cornerback Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos defends at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Tex

Foster has taken the league by storm this season, running all over the Texans' opponents.

But the Texans have been disappointing this year, so Foster's MVP candidacy has taken a hit.

If Houston can finally put their talent to use and earn a winning record next season, Foster could toss his hat into the MVP ring.

8. Maurice Jones-Drew

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the game against the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

MJD has been the non-QB MVP of the NFL this season.

The Jaguars have been in the playoff hunt and still have a chance at the AFC South title if they win this weekend and the Colts lose.

If he was able to play last weekend, the Jaguars probably could have won their game. Instead, they find themselves in a position where they'll need some help to get into the playoffs.

If MJD is healthy all of next year though, there's no reason the Jags can't do even better than they did this year.

7. Michael Turner

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes upfield during the first half of 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)

Turner has been rock solid for the Falcons all season long.

He's given them a consistent ground game, opening up passing lanes for Matt Ryan and Roddy White.

But he had a costly fumble against the Saints that cost them the chance at a signature victory.

He'll need to do better in the big games next season if he is going to be considered for MVP.

6. Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

With Vick's style of play, it's hard to imagine that he'll be able to be as productive next season as he has been this season.

After taking over in Week 1 of this year, Vick has been knocked around and beaten up and has missed a couple games with a rib cage injury.

He's not going to be any younger next season, so it's hard to imagine his body can withstand a full 16 (or 18)-game season.

5. Drew Brees

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham in the second half during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Phot

If Brees didn't have 21 interceptions this year, we'd be talking about the 2010 MVP race being among Brees, Brady and Vick.

But his interception total has really hurt his candidacy.

Next season though, don't expect Brees to have nearly as many interceptions as he does this year.

If his running backs can stay healthy, he'll definitely have far fewer interceptions in 2011.

4. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Ima

The Colts offense has been decimated by injuries this season.

Dallas Clark, Donald Brown, Joseph Addai, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have all missed time this season, leaving Manning with a patchwork receiving crew.

He's still put up good numbers, but nothing like what we're used to seeing from Manning.

If the Colts are healthier in 2011, it's reasonable to think Manning will return to MVP form.

3. Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers rolls 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)

Rodgers is in the same situation as Manning.

His offense has lost Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley this season, two of the most important pieces to the Packers' offensive attack.

If they come back strong next season, there's no reason to think Rodgers won't be able to throw the ball all over the yard and put himself in serious contention for the MVP.

2. Tom Brady

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. New England won 34-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Brady will likely be the 2010 MVP, so he's automatically a favorite to win the 2011 MVP.

His team won't lose any significant weapons, so he'll be working with basically the same unit.

We all know the Patriots will be a good team again in 2011, so no worries there.

But, if they don't have another 14-2 or 13-3 type of season, it might be hard for him to win a second straight MVP.

1. Philip Rivers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers goes under center during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Rivers has been without Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd, Vincent Jackson and Ryan Matthews at times during this season.

Yet, even throwing to a patchwork group of receivers, he'll probably finish 2010 with over 4,500 passing yards.

The sky is the limit in 2011 if the Chargers stay healthy.