NFL Predictions Week 3: Which Players Will Enter MVP Race?

Prior to the season even kicking off, we already knew your typical NFL MVP candidates. Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were all obvious contenders.

So, let's allow Week 3 to play through and then see if anyone else can make a solid case.

There are sure to be at least two or three who get lumped or squeezed into the conversation (at the very least).

That said, here are two players who will enter the NFL MVP race along with the aforementioned QBs.

Calvin Johnson: WR, Detroit Lions

He's arguably the best WR in the game, and is without a doubt the best on his team.

Calvin Johnson is the heart and soul of the squad from the Motor City. Even though Detroit has been terrible since he entered the NFL in 2007, he's always played at a high level of consistency.

However, this season, Megatron's Lions are dominating. With four TDs on nine catches for 117 yards, eight of which have gone for a first down, so is he.

After Week 3, Johnson only builds more to his resume and continues to soar over opposing defenses.

Minnesota will be no challenge. Even when he goes up against Green Bay and Chicago later on, there is still no matchup equal to him.

If there's a WR who can contend with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers for the MVP award, Megatron is that target.

Adrian Peterson: RB, Minnesota Vikings

Easily the best player on his team, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been slicing through defenses throughout his entire career.

That said, 2011 could be very telling as to the true level of talent he possesses.

For one, he's on a bad team that really has no chance of contending. Secondly, his division is arguably the strongest in all of pro football.

Therefore, if he can continue to dominate despite defenses consistently putting seven or eight in the box (while on a team that might go 5-11, at best), Peterson is a no-brainer.

This week is a big week for the Vikings star as the Detroit Lions visit the Metrodome, with their solid front seven.

Whether Minnesota wins or loses is irrelevant—Adrian can only do his part in gaining yards, scoring TDs and not fumbling nearly as much as he's done in the past.

If he allots over 1,500 yards and scores 10 TDs, while being a part of a one-dimensional offense (keep in mind, he is that one dimension), he should definitely be considered.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

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