NFL Predictions Week 3: Who Will Emerge as Top 5 MVP Candidates?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is the MVP front-runner through the NFL's first two weeks. 

Who else is in the conversation?

It is very early, but a handful of quarterbacks and a few running backs have made their case for the league's most prestigious award.

After Week 3, we'll see some separation as the true MVP contenders will begin to step forward. 

These guys will be the top five candidates following their third straight tremendous performance...

5. LeSean McCoy

When the year began, we all were expecting McCoy's quarterback to be the lone Philadelphia Eagle in the MVP race. 

McCoy has put up some jaw-dropping numbers through two games and the increased touches he could see with Vick less than 100 percent could lead to even more production. 

I don't think McCoy will receive 25 or more carries in a game, but the ball will be in his hands more often, especially on quick screens designed to get the ball out of Vick's hands as quickly as possible.

He is averaging a whopping 6.6 yards per rush and has four total touchdowns.

McCoy is a check-down option for any Eagles signal-caller that can turn a swing pass into a touchdown on any play. He also looks more comfortable within the Eagles offense than he did last year.  

So far, no back has appeared more shifty and quick through the hole than McCoy and with a huge game against an injury-plagued division rival, he enters the MVP discussion. 

4. Fred Jackson

The New England Patriots-Buffalo Bills game is the NFL's marquee matchup this week, as it's the only contest featuring two unbeaten teams.

We're expecting a shootout for a few reasons.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Brady are the league's top two rated (total quarterback rating) quarterbacks in the league and each team's defense hasn't been very stout.

However, while we await the aerial fireworks, don't forgot that Fred Jackson is the NFL's rushing leader with 229 yards on the ground.  

He is just as important to the Bills attack as Fitzpatrick because of his uncanny ability to do it all—run between the tackles, bounce it outside, catch balls out of the backfield, lead block and pass protect. 

The Patriots are entering this game ready to put the breaks on Jackson, but I don't see it happening.

Chan Gailey is too creative getting his feature back the ball and he'll have another solid total yardage game.

The true MVP dark horse.  

3. Matthew Stafford

Another unusual name makes the list. 

Stafford is the main reason why the Lions are 2-0.

His decision-making has been outstanding and he's made all the necessary throws in his team's first two contests. 

The former No. 1 overall pick has tossed seven touchdowns to only two interceptions, is completing 65 percent of his passes and has a standard quarterback rating of 112.0. 

Detroit's divisional road struggles are well documented, but against a Vikings defense that's a tad overrated, he could be in for another huge day and could eclipse the 300-yard plateau for the second time this season.

Stafford has everything you want in a franchise quarterback, but it must be so nice throwing to Calvin Johnson. 

2. Drew Brees

His Saints suffered a loss at the hands of the Packers in Week 1, but it wasn't due to anything Brees failed to do. 

He has thrown for 689 yards in two games, good for fourth in the NFL. 

Brees has yet to throw an interception and is operating the most deadly downfield passing game in the league. 

At home, even against a solid Texans defense, No. 9 should have another gigantic afternoon, as he usually does in the Superdome.

He is in total command of his offense and he has many weapons even with Marques Colston injured.  

1. Tom Brady

Any surprise here?

Brady's Patriots may be in for their stiffest test on the road against the upstart Bills, but the reigning MVP will have no problem throwing for 300-plus against Buffalo's defense. 

Heck, make that 400. 

He'll be without Aaron Hernandez which certainly won't help, but you can't ever bet against Brady, especially against the Bills. 

If Buffalo is able to score at will against New England's porous defense, it'll force No. 12 to throw on almost every down in the late stages of the game.

(Very notably, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers were left off this list. Here's why: I think Rodgers could struggle in Chicago and I don't think Rivers will need to have a big day against Kansas City. Both signal-callers are legitimate MVP candidates this season, however.)