NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting the Top Super Bowl MVP Candidates

We are a long way off from the Super Bowl, as we don't even know what teams will make the playoffs. However, it is never too early to start making some bold predictions. There are more than a handful of players who are performing at an MVP level, but only a few look like a possible Super Bowl MVP.

In order for someone to win the Super Bowl MVP award, they need to be on a team that appears capable of making it to the Super Bowl. They also need to be someone that is capable of taking over a game, and performing in the clutch.

The next few slides break down a few players that I feel have a good shot at winning the Super Bowl MVP hardware.

No. 4: Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore's Terrell Suggs is the top pass rusher on one of the NFL's top defenses. Throughout his career, Suggs has shown that he is capable of taking over a football game. He is someone that creates a ton of pressure, while also forcing plenty of turnovers.

The Ravens currently own the AFC's top seed, and have a very good chance to earn a Super Bowl appearance. Any Super Bowl run by the Ravens would be thanks to some great defensive play. Terrell Suggs will no doubt have a major impact on a possible Super Bowl run.

Suggs is the type of player who could easily record three-plus sacks, a forced turnover and a ton of quarterback hurries. This would be a performance more than worthy of a Super Bowl MVP.

No. 3: Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are no longer just a great story, they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Each week, this team finds a way to win football games and dominate the line of scrimmage. This week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens hurt, but still showed some positive signs.

Any 49ers Super Bowl victory will be thanks to Frank Gore and the running attack. San Francisco's offensive strategy is to feature a heavy dose of Frank Gore. He would need to be very effective if the 49ers hope to have a successful postseason.

Gore is not only capable of grinding out the tough yardage, but also has the ability to break off a long run. He is more than capable of rushing for over 100 yards, while adding a few touchdowns. That type of performance would earn him a Super Bowl MVP.

No. 2: Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Tom Brady has been there and done that, already owning two Super Bowl MVP trophies. He is a grizzled Super Bowl veteran, who is more that capable of taking over in the big game. Brady knows how to win football games, and isn't intimidated by the big stage.

New England is in good position to make another strong playoff run. They do need to make some defensive improvements, but they still have Brady and a very potent offense. The offense is more than capable of carrying the Patriots through the Postseason.

Once Brady makes the Super Bowl, he is better than a 50-50 shot of winning the MVP award.

No. 1: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is the best player on the NFL's best team. He and the Green Bay Packers are the current favorites to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.  This team is playing at an extremely high level, and appear all but unbeatable.

The Packers success is due to many factors, but Rodgers deserves the bulk of the credit. He is on pace to set several NFL records, while also having a shot of orchestrating an undefeated season. Rodgers already has one Super Bowl MVP trophy on his shelf, and appears ready to add another one.

At this point, Rodgers and the Packers are the safe bet to get back to the Super Bowl and win another title. Any Green Bay victory will likely be because of a strong performance by Rodgers.