NFL Power Rankings: Most Valuable Players in Each NFL Division

Every NFL team has that one player that they can't survive without. 

Should anything happen to this guy, then there's no question the team would suffer greatly. 

Whether the player is on offense or defense, he is a phenomenal contributor that cannot be replaced. 

Some players are more valuable than others, which is what this piece is all about. The list that follows focuses on the most important players on offense and defense in every division in the NFL, and why they're a cut above the rest. 

Here are the most valuable players in each division.   

NFC East

Offense

Michael Vick, dual-threat quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, is without a doubt the most important offensive guy in the NFC East. 

The most entertaining player in the league, Vick is crucial to the Eagles success in 2011. Without him, Philadelphia has no shot at a Super Bowl, and with their offseason moves it's Super Bowl-or-bust for the Eagles this season.

Defense

DeMarcus Ware is a sack machine for the Dallas Cowboys, having led the league in sacks multiple times in his career. He's averaged 13.3 sacks in his career, and this is a level of production the Cowboys will never be able to replace. 

Dallas' defense needs to step it up in 2011, especially if they want to win the division. Ware is an essential part of the Dallas defense, and you better believe he will be crushing opposing quarterbacks once again in 2011.  

AFC East

Offense

Tom Brady is the leader of the New England Patriots, and easily the most elite player in the AFC East.

The Patriots did find a way to win games without him in 2008, but it's no secret they weren't a playoff-caliber team with Brady gone. 

Currently the best quarterback in the league, Brady is on pace to go down as one of the best to ever play the game. The Patriots are nothing without him, which is why they have invested in multiple backup quarterbacks.

Defense 

 Darrelle Revis is without a doubt the best cornerback in the league. Yes, the New York Jets have a great No. 2 corner, but if Revis weren't there, their defense wouldn't be the same.

There's an entire island named after the guy, which lets you know he is the real deal. The Jets are far from Super Bowl contenders if you take away Revis.   

AFC West

Offense

Phillip Rivers is the only elite quarterback in the AFC West, and because of that he is the most important. Sure, there are other talented offensive players in the division, but nobody means as much to their team as Rivers. 

A stat crusher, Rivers is consistently one of the best quarterbacks in the league. However, he has struggled in the postseason, which is his only demise. 

Defense 

Elvis Dumervil was out for all of 2010, and the Denver Broncos defense took a major hit because of it. He led the NFL with 17 sacks in 2009, and now that he is back the Broncos defense is expected to be loads better. 

The veteran linebacker will help mentor Von Miller and be a vital part of the Broncos' success in 2011.  

NFC West

Offense

The Arizona Cardinals would be one of the worst teams in the league if it weren't for Larry Fitzgerald. One of the most gifted wide receivers in the NFL today, Fitzgerald is a human highlight reel.

With incredible hands, speed and awareness, Fitzgerald has helped the Cardinals win numerous games. Arizona made him a very rich man because of this, and even traded for what they hope will be a good quarterback just to make Fitzgerald happy. 

Defense

If Patrick Willis were to leave the San Francisco 49ers, then their defense would easily be the worst in the league. Yes, Willis is that good.

The best inside linebacker in the game today, Willis is an all-around player that will knock you into next week if you happen to have the ball on the opposing team.   

AFC North

Offense

If Ben Roethlisberger isn't on the Pittsburgh Steelers then there is no way they play in three Super Bowls in the last six years. 

He may not put up the best numbers year after year, but he knows how to win. Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to multiple comeback victories, and he'll continue to do so for many years. 

Defense

The Baltimore Ravens have had one of the top defenses in the league every year for the last decade because of Ray Lewis. The hard hitting veteran linebacker is past his prime, but he still has a great impact for Baltimore. 

The few seasons that Lewis missed the majority of, the Ravens finished with a losing record and at the bottom of the AFC North. He is very important to this defense as a player and even more so as a leader. 

NFC North

Offense

The reigning Super Bowl MVP, Aaron Rodgers is very important to the Green Bay Packers, and without him they would be far from contenders.

He is quickly becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the league, which is why he is the most valuable offensive player in the toughest division in the NFL. 

Defense 

Ndamukong Suh may only be a second-year player, but there is no doubt that the Detroit Lions wouldn't be considered a threat this year if it weren't for him.

Sure, there are other guys in the division that are great players, but Suh is much more vital to his team. 

The 2010 Rookie of the Year, Suh recorded 10 sacks last year proving he was worthy of being a top pick in the draft. There will be no sophomore slump from Suh, and he will help the Lions make a lot of noise in the NFC North this season.

AFC South

Offense

He is already out for the first game, and it is sending the Indianapolis Colts in a frenzy.

Peyton Manning is the one guy that if you take him off the team, they go from Super Bowl-contenders to vying for the No. 1 overall pick. 

Manning is the most valuable player in the AFC South, and it's been that way for years. His neck is a lingering issue, and it's clear the Colts are nothing without him.

Defense 

 Yes, another player from the Colts. They have long dominated the AFC South, and part of it is because of Dwight Freeney.

The veteran defensive end has averaged 10.4 sacks in his career, and when he doesn't play the Colts just aren't the same.   

NFC South

Offense

The Atlanta Falcons were nothing before they drafted Matt Ryan. The franchise was in disarray after the Vick incident and then their coach left them in the middle of season. 

In steps Ryan, and the Falcons are Super Bowl contenders just years later. The Pro Bowl quarterback has turned a franchise around, and if you take him away from the Falcons then they will be non-existent.

I mean, did you see the preseason games? Atlanta was 0-4 because their second team offense is downright pathetic.  

Defense 

Jonathan Vilma is the leader of the New Orleans Saints defense, and without him the defense would subpar at best.

The veteran middle linebacker has led the Saints in tackles every year he has been there, and if he isn't on the field making plays, then opposing teams wouldn't have any trouble running all over the Saints.