NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting the Top Super Bowl MVP Candidates

As we close in on the 2012 NFL playoffs, it's never too early to discuss the Super Bowl and more specifically, the Super Bowl MVP.

Now based on the current NFL standings, it's easy to speculate who has a legit shot at the Super Bowl as well as those who could earn the MVP award.

That being said, all that matters is first making the playoffs because, as proved by the Steelers in 2005 and Green Bay last season, being the No. 6 seed doesn't rule you out of Super Bowl contention. So to get right into it, here are the current Top five Super Bowl MVP candidates heading into Week 11.

5. Matt Forte: RB, Bears

Through nine games this season, the Chicago Bears offense have gained a total of 3,109 yards. But easily more impressive is RB Matt Forte's yardage total of 1,308. That's over 40 percent accounted for in the Bears offense.

Therefore, it's safe to say that Forte is Chicago's offense and coordinator Mike Martz knows how to build success around one guy. He did it with Marshall Faulk in St. Louis and now he's repeating history with Matt Forte.

If only Chicago had a more threatening passing game like the Rams did under Martz, then the Bears would be in a much better position. Nonetheless, by regular season's end Chicago could potentially get the No. 5 seed in the NFC and make a legit run at the Super Bowl.

That said, provided a Super Bowl victory does occur for The Windy City, Matt Forte would be the MVP, as he's carried Chicago this season. And he will continue to do so throughout.

4. Andre Johnson: WR, Texans

Right now the Houston Texans are the AFC's No. 1 seed with a 7-3 record. Now, it's uncertain if Houston can manage to hang on but they will still win the AFC South and make the postseason.

And we can rip on QB Matt Leinart all we want to, but with a damn good defense that doesn't strictly rely on causing turnovers and an offensive rushing attack where two RBs are on pace to gain over 1,000 yards, Leinart will be fine.

In turn, anytime coach Gary Kubiak does give him the green light, WR Andre Johnson will be his safety outlet. Sure, Johnson hasn't played in quite some time, but do you really think he's going to miss the postseason? There's no way.

Therefore, if the Texans do represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLVI, obviously their opponent will zero-in on shutting down their ground game in spite of not having any respect for Leinart's throwing ability. Also, they will do whatever possible to limit Houston's offensive possessions, as the Texans are quite explosive regardless.

So for Houston to win, getting the rock to Johnson as much as possible will be key. And is there really any CB who can match him one-on-one when he's 100 percent healthy? No.

3. Drew Brees: QB, Saints

Alas, we come to our first former Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees of the Saints. And ironically enough, Brees isn't even receiving much recognition this season because of the 9-0 Packers, Tim Tebow and Indianapolis' possibility of finishing 0-16.

In any event, here's some props to Brees as he's thrown for 3,326 yards in 10 games. So an average of 332.6 pass yards per game is quite impressive, right? Uh yeah, and can you imagine what he'll do to a pass defense like New England if the Pats' can make the Super Bowl? Or what about the Texans whom he shredded earlier this season...and Houston is really solid.

Currently, the Saints are the NFC South front-runners and they control their own destiny. Chances are they get the No. 3 seed in the NFC because of Green Bay and San Francisco but once the postseason begins, records and seeds don't mean anything.

And if Brees does play in another Super Bowl, for as prolific as he's been this season, the Super Bowl passing record will get annihilated and will most likely never be broken either. He's just that good.

2. Frank Gore: RB, 49ers

It's no secret that 2011 has been one extremely impressive season coming from The Bay Area, and the 49ers are looking at the No. 2 seed in the NFC—unless the Packers slip up and San Fran takes advantage to get the No. 1 seed.

Either way, Frisco is a solid Super Bowl contender and much like Matt Forte of Chicago, RB Frank Gore is their offense. The only difference being that Gore's not much of a receiving threat like Forte.

However, Franky G. is ranked higher on here because San Fran has a much better shot at winning the Super Bowl than Chicago. Anyway, through nine games Gore has compiled 782 rushing yards and scored five TDs.

The thing is that San Francisco's offense is not that explosive since all they really do is run the ball and control the clock. Any time they score a bunch of points it is because the defense and special teams chip in. That said, if San Fran wins the NFC, they must stick to their strengths.

QB Alex Smith has the ability to work in a spread offense, but with Gore dominating on the ground and a defense that continues to shutdown offenses, there's no reason to air it out. Frank Gore is the type of RB that coach Jim Harbaugh loves. Runs downhill, tough/hard-nosed and old-school.

There's no other option for the 49ers offense if they want to give themselves the best shot at a Super Bowl. Frank Gore is that guy because if they stop feeding him, well, there goes the season. 

1. Aaron Rodgers: QB, Packers

Who else would be at No.1? Aaron Rodgers is the game's best player on the best team, who just happens to be undefeated and coming off a Super Bowl season.

Perhaps the scariest (in a good way) thing about the reigning Super Bowl MVP is how well he's slicing defenses this season. Through nine games, Rodgers has 28 TDs to just three INTs and a passer rating of 130.7.

No defense, no matter how good, has been able to stop him, and last season was much of the same; though he's much improved this season.

Now the most dangerous thing about Rodgers is that he spreads the ball around like John Stockton. Eight different players have 10 or more receptions, five with 20-plus, and if need be, Rodgers can tuck it himself, as he's added to rushing TDs this season.

So, Aaron Rodgers has accounted for 30 TDs in nine games. Unreal. The Packers are the current front-runner in their division, conference and the league. So unless someone does oust them in the postseason, Titletown repeats along with their QB as the Super Bowl MVP.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.