NFL MVP: The Plot Thickens

Week 15 in the NFL season is nearly upon us, and it is time to sort out the MVP ballot.  There are so many candidates this season, I don't even know where to begin.  I'll try.

Kurt Warner

Didn't even have the job for most of training camp and was battling for the starting position. He got the call and hasn't looked back since. Warner has posted staggering numbers for his age, and is seemingly making his case for a Hall of Fame bid.

Leading the league's second-ranked offense, he has thrown for 4,020 yards, 25 TDs and 12 INTs, with a 99.1 rating and completed 68.7 percent of his passes. If I had to vote now, Warner is my choice.

Adrian Peterson

While most of us still thought L.T. was the best RB in the league before the season, Adrian Peterson has taken on that role now. He has single-handedly taken a Gus Ferotte "led" team to an 8-5 record and are the front-runners for the NFC North title.

He leads the league in rushing with 1,413 rushing yards while constantly facing eight or nine men in the box. Peterson must be in the discussion

Eli Manning

While most will not agree with this choice, Eli must be in the discussion. He has taken over the leadership role on this team and his teammates are responding. They are widely regarded as the most balanced team in the NFC, but make no mistake, Eli has improved his game and taken the next step.

Matt Ryan

Who could have expected such a season from the Falcons? No one. Matt Ryan has played with the poise of a seasoned veteran since day one, and his teammates are beginning to trust him more and more, which has led to them being considered a team to be reckoned with in the tough NFC. 

Matt Ryan has not only exceeded expectations, he has played exceptional football consistently the entire year. 

Albert Haynesworth

Not many defensive players have won the MVP award, but if I was a betting man, I would bet this year could be one of them. Albert Haynesworth is a all-around beast. He plugs up the middle for run defense and creates havoc in passing situations. The reason the Titans are 12-1 is because of their defense, and he is the most valuable player on it

Troy Polamalu

This has to be considered a defense of the ages. This is a team who has not given up 300 yards to any team all year. What Dick LeBeau has done is nothing short of genius. While Pittsburgh most certainly has the talent to be a great defense, Dick's coaching is what makes them legendary. 

Troy Polamalu may not have the stats that some of his fellow teammates do, but he is the unquestioned leader on this team.

Joey Porter

Not only has he rejuvenated his own career, but he has the previously 1-15 Dolphins in a three-way tie for the division lead. We knew Parcells would have an impact on the team, but most figured it would lead to six or seven wins.

Porter has 16.5 sacks, which is a league best, and he is on a defense that has no other stars, but as a unit is playing phenomenal football. I give all the credit of the Dolphins' success to Parcells and Joey Porter.