NFL Predictions: 5 Players Other Than Aaron Rodgers Who Can Win MVP

Aaron Rodgers broke out last season and established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but there are other players that are going to push him for the MVP award this season. Rodgers may be the hot pick to win the award right now, but there are several other candidates that can win the award as well.

Rodgers won the Super Bowl last season, won the Super Bowl MVP and had a brilliant Week 1 performance in the Packers' victory over the Saints. Right now this guy has everything going for him, but let's not hand him the MVP right away.

Week 1 has showed us that we should be ready for another stellar NFL season, with some new stars ready to break out and some of our more renowned stars ready to show us why they are so great. Here are five players that are going to challenge Rodgers for the MVP this season.

5. Calvin Johnson

I know, I know—when has a wide receiver ever won the MVP? The answer is never, but if somebody can do it, Calvin Johnson is the guy.

Johnson pulled down two touchdown grabs in the Lions' Week 1 victory over the Buccaneers. He is straight up dangerous when the Lions get in the red zone and is one of the most gifted wide receivers in the NFL.

Johnson's stock to win this award goes hand in hand with the success of the Detroit Lions. If the Lions break out and win the NFC North like some have predicted, the finger has to be pointed towards someone. Johnson by himself can make an offense scary. Even with Shaun Hill at quarterback for the majority of last season, Johnson still managed to total 1,120 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns.

It will be very tough for Johnson to win the award, but if he consistently goes out and has multiple touchdown games and the Lions continue to win, someone on the Detroit roster is going to have to take the credit.

4. Drew Brees

A loss in Week 1 certainly didn't help his campaign for MVP, but Brees' level of play in Week 1 was certainly MVP worthy.

Against one of the best defenses in the league in the Green Bay Packers, Brees threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. The guy looked unstoppable on the field and if it weren't for his opposing quarterback handing him a Week 1 loss, we'd see Brees higher on this list.

We all know that Brees can throw for a lot of yards, but what is so impressive is the number of receivers that Brees uses on offense. Brees throws to multiple guys on a regular basis and will need to find a new favorite target after an injury has forced Marques Colston out for four weeks.

Three years ago Brees was a few yards away from setting the NFL record for passing yards in a season, and if he has more games like he did in Week 1, he may have a second chance at breaking that record this season.

3. Michael Vick

The hands down most electrifying player in the NFL comes in at No. 3 on the list. Mike Vick picked up right where he left off last season in a Week 1 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Vick only threw for 187 yards in a Week 1 win, but does much more on the field than simply pass the ball. Vick has to be accounted for at all times; at any time he can take off and run for a touchdown as well.

He also showed his escapability in Week 1, when he ran for 97 yards. Vick has an incredibly dangerous arm, but we all know that what makes this man phenomenal is his running ability.

If Vick can stay healthy, take care of the ball and keep the Eagles winning, then expect him to be in the mix for MVP all season long.

2. Philip Rivers

In the first half of Week 1, Philip Rivers looked sloppy, took poor care of the ball and looked like a guy that had a shortened training camp. But in the second half, he was a new man; he shook off the rust and showed the league just why he is one of the premier quarterbacks.

Rivers threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Vikings. The Chargers have struggled in the past by having slow starts to the season, but Rivers' stellar second-half play made sure that the Chargers wouldn't go through that again.

Not only is Rivers extremely talented, but he is also surrounded by incredible talent. He has the luxury of throwing to Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates. Rivers also has two great receiving backs in Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert.

The AFC West looks like it is going to have a down year outside of the Chargers, which helps Rivers' cause tremendously. Rivers will put up the statistics to win MVP; he has proved for multiple seasons that he is capable of doing that. The only thing standing in his way is a playoff appearance for the Chargers.

1. Tom Brady

Is there any question that Brady was going to be the guy at No. 1? The two-time MVP winner is ready to win his third MVP and is probably the favorite at this point early in the season.

Last season Brady was phenomenal, due in large part to his extreme care for the football. Brady set an NFL regular-season record for passes without an interception. This led to a stunning 36 touchdowns and four interceptions on the year.

Even though it didn't look like he could get any better, he did. Brady thrilled football fans all over the country in Week 1 as he threw for 517 yards and four touchdowns on Monday Night Football. The guy put up video game numbers and it looked like he wasn't even trying.

Brady makes everyone on the field better. He makes receivers who wouldn't even make it on the field for other teams look great. 

Brady is a proven winner who is looking for his third MVP award. If he keeps up his quality of play from Week 1, it will be the easiest MVP he has ever won.