The Amazing Race: Who Will Win The NFL MVP Award?

With only four weeks to go, it is time. Time to discuss and predict who will win the NFL MVP award.  With so many viable candidates, I have selected the leaders of each of their respective categories.  Passing, Rushing, and Defense.

Many people, at the beginning of the year, predicted Drew Brees to be the front-runner in the long race for the outstanding player of the year. And he didn't disappoint.

Through the first several weeks of the season, he played perfect football. And he was on pace to break Dan Marino's passing yards in a season mark. But then he started throwing the dreadful interceptions. While he is still a candidate, Brees needs to start getting back on track and stop throwing interceptions.

On the other hand, or maybe on both hands, the quarterback who wears a pair of gloves. Kurt Warner. Yes, the guy is old, but there is no doubt in anybody's mind that he can still play. As of week 13, Warner has tossed 24 TD passes and only 11 INT. He has also thrown for 3,741 yards and has an great passer rating of 99.4. The race will be close for the QB's but it seems Warner is gaining the upper hand in the race.

On the side of the running backs, there a several options, but I will present you with 3. First there is Clinton Portis. Now before you Redskins fans start bashing him, read this first. The guy has ran for 1228 yards, seven TD's, and a 4.8 yards per carry. And that is while being banged up. But as of late, the injuries have been racking up for him and he is falling behind in the race. So if he could stay healthy, then he is a candidate, but that's a big IF.

Secondly, there is the burner, Michael Turner. In his first season as a starting running back in the NFL, he has amassed 1208 yards and a whopping 13 TD's. And many consider him a power back, but he also has the speed and skill to get outside and turn the corner.

He is a very viable candidate, but he does have some tough match-ups coming up against the Saints, Vikings, and the Bucs. So if he manages to keep up at this pace, then watch out, cause he is definitely in the thick of the race.

]Lastly, but definitely not least, Adrian Peterson. The guy is only in his second year in the NFL, but has emerged to very possibly be the best running back in the NFL. Peterson has the power of a Brandon Jacobs, yet the speed of a Chris Johnson. He is the most unique running back in the NFL with that combination. 

Last year he received honors like Rookie Of The Year and Pro-Bowl MVP. But is it time for him to win the biggest award for a  player in the NFL? That is up to you to decide. This season he leads the NFL in rushing, running for 1311 yards and 9 TD's and 4.9 yards a carry. Those stats are self-explanatory, but if he continues to lead the NFL in rushing, then he has a great shot at winning the NFL MVP.

Then, very rarely, defensive players can be worthy or have the popularity to win the MVP award. But this year many defensive players could in the race, including Joey Porter, Mario Williams, Jared Allen and Patrick Willis. But there is one name that stands out more than all of these.

James Harrison.

He has harassed QB's all season long, racking up 80 tackles, 14 sacks, 6 FF's, and 1 INT. And  that's all in 12 games. Yeah, I know that defensive players almost never win the MVP, but take a look those stats. It might be a long-shot, but if he continues to take down quarterbacks, then he might just be the third defensive player since 1957 to win it.

But through all the speculation, let's see who actually has a real chance.

Drew Brees- Unless he breaks Dan Marino's record, no chance.

Kurt Warner- Very possible, but he does have a weak schedule.

Clinton Portis- Unlikely, with all his injuries.

Michael Turner- Possible, if he can run through the tough match-ups.

Adrian Peterson- Very likely, if he can survive the last stretch.

James Harrison- Umm..maybe. If he can muster up enough popularity, then maybe..

Ultimately, anything can happen in these last four games and in the playoffs. But the race might come down to how the players' team does, and one big thing—popularity. Which is why there could one other very possible winner.

Tony Romo.

That is the NFL, and it's an amazing race.