NFL Week 9 Predictions: Projecting How Top MVP Candidates Will Perform

Those who are in consideration for the MVP award are under an even more narrow spotlight each time they take the field.

And rightfully so, because what's the point of having a player be an MVP candidate and not get him some exposure? To that end, here are how three of the MVP candidates will perform in Week 9.

Note: Other MVP candidates Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson were not listed as they both are on a bye week.

Aaron Rodgers: QB, Green Bay Packers (at San Diego Chargers)

When the Packers travel to San Diego in Week 9, it will be their toughest road test yet as the Chargers are vehemently desperate for a win.

They also have the No. 4 ranked pass defense and only allow 185.9 yards per game. Now, obviously this stat can be interpreted multiple ways, and one of them being that San Diego allows so much on the ground (117.7 YPG) that their pass defense isn't challenged as often.

We will find out how good they really are when Aaron Rodgers and company visit this week. Only once has Rodgers not hit over 300 this season, but that many isn't needed this week.

He doesn't hurt his candidacy by any means from Week 9, but he doesn't separate himself that much more either.

Projection: 275 pass yards, two TDs.

Tom Brady: QB, New England Patriots (vs. New York Giants)

The only difference about Tom Brady being under center this season and an MVP candidate is that Rodgers is his competition instead of Peyton Manning (at least from the QB position).

This is a big game for the Pats because losing on the road in Pittsburgh was tough, but much like they did after the Buffalo loss, you have to expect that New England will get a response victory.

As for the Giants, they have the No. 13 and No. 28 pass and rush defense ranks, respectively, so Brady won't need to shred them in order to win. It's another solid and sound performance, but New England reverts to the ground game while Brady and the Pats get another home win.

Projection: 250 pass yards, one TD.

Frank Gore: RB, San Francisco 49ers (at Washington Redskins)

Despite being the RB on an offense that ranks No. 31 in the NFL and averages only 171 pass yards per game, 49ers RB Frank Gore is slamming and slicing his way through defenses.

On the year Gore averages about 96 yards per game, which is putting him on pace for about 1,500-plus yards. Now, in a passing league, it's hard for a RB who doesn't compile 2,000 rush yards to win the MVP award, but Gore should be recognized since he is the San Francisco offense.

Against the Redskins this week, Gore can improve his MVP odds as the Redskins have a respectable defense. Not to mention it is a road game and since Washington ranks No. 12 in pass defense, Frank will once again see the box stacked to stop him. Needless to say, however, Washington fails.

Projection: 120 rush yards, two TDs.

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