NFL Playoff Predictions: The MVP for Every Currently Projected Playoff Team

As the NFL season nears its end, we as fans become enamored with the league MVP award.

However, this year, like last, there's no argument.

The Packers' Aaron Rodgers will be the MVP barring an unforeseen decline in production.

What about the most valuable player on each team currently in their respective conference's playoff picture? 

After all, what's a great statistical season without a winning team? 

New England Patriots: Tom Brady

Probably could have skipped this slide. 

New England's defense was an utter disaster at the beginning of the year, and although they're slowly improving, they're still one of the worst units in football. 

Without Brady simply outscoring opponents, the Patriots, at best, are battling for a wild-card spot right now—and that's generous. 

He's not having his greatest statistical season (hard to top 2007's masterpiece), but he's been so efficient over the last month and has his club on a smooth four-game winning streak that could easily be eight as the Pats enter the postseason. 

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice

For the last decade, the Baltimore Ravens have been known for their vaunted defense, but their team MVP in 2011 is unquestionably running back Ray Rice. 

In three games this year, Rice received less than 14 carries—all Ravens losses. 

What does that tell you? 

Not only is he the team's small-yet-punishing workhorse, he's Joe Flacco's go-to guy when he's under pressure. 

He has 56 catches for 547 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season. 

Houston Texans: Arian Foster

The Texans' defense is a major reason why they're 9-3 right now, but without Arian Foster, Houston's not even in the playoff hunt right now. 

Yes, he's been that vital to the team's success. 

The Texans have dealt with a variety of stinging setbacks this season, and Foster has been the one steady force on offense. 

Even when opposing defenses loaded the box due to the absence of Andre Johnson, Foster came through with big game after big game. 

Last week, with third-string quarterback T.J. Yates under center, the former undrafted free agent carried the ball 31 times for 111 yards with a touchdown against a talented and aggressive Falcons defense en route to victory. 

Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow

I'm fully prepared to take heat for this slide. 

I thought about it for a while, and realized that although the defense (specifically Von Miller) and the running game deserve a great deal of credit, there's no way Tim Tebow doesn't win this award right now. 

He's unconventional, can't throw, isn't sustainable. 

Blah, blah, blah. 

He's been fortunate to be put in a situation to win in nearly every game he's started this season, but you know what? 

The former Heisman trophy winner has gotten it done when it's mattered most six times. 

Could other quarterbacks around the league have made it a little easier? 

Probably. 

But Denver doesn't have the luxury to pick whoever it wants to take the snaps behind center. 

And honestly, how can you ignore the fourth quarter comebacks?

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger

This season marks Ben Roethlisberger's eighth year in the NFL and for some reason, I still marvel at his improvisational skills outside the pocket. 

Am I the only one? 

No one is better at going "street ball" and making something out of absolutely nothing. 

The Steelers are definitely a more pass-happy team thanks to their speedy receiving corp and Big Ben's ability to accurately strike down the field. 

Cincinnati Bengals: A. J. Green

For those of you who have Andy Dalton or the defense as the Bengals' MVP, you've got a good case. 

I've got A.J. Green all day. 

Not that Dalton has been over-hyped, but is 17 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 59 percent completion percentage really MVP-worthy? 

Not for me. 

I haven't seen every Bengals snap this season, but it has seemed like whenever Dalton's in a rut, he goes up top to his fellow classmate and Green makes a huge, game-altering play. 

Seven of Dalton's 17 touchdown passes have gone to Green, a true playmaker. 

Even in last week's loss to the Steelers, the 2011 No. 4 overall pick hauled in six passes for 87 yards with a score. 

Without Green, the Bengals offense is simply mediocre. 

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers

Um, hello? 

Isn't this obvious enough? 

Rodgers will come extremely close to Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, he's got 37 touchdowns to only five interceptions and his team is 12-0. 

Discussion over. 

San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore

In all likelihood, the 49ers' Alex Smith will win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. 

He probably should. 

But without the reliable and ferocious Frank Gore establishing the run this season, San Francisco wouldn't have run away with the division. 

Their defense is top-notch, and Patrick Willis certainly received some consideration, but I couldn't stop myself from typing Gore. 

He hasn't had a ton of huge games on the year, but he has kept defenses honest and is part of the reason why Smith has been so comfortable in the pocket in 2011. 

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

This one's almost as clear-cut as the Aaron Rodgers selection. 

The Saints do have a solid all-around club, but Brees has elevated them from good to great this season, very similar to what he did in 2009. 

Based on what I've seen, he's actually operating his offense more efficiently now than he did in that magical Super Bowl-winning campaign and he should break Marino's passing yards record. 

I'd be shocked if he didn't. 

Wouldn't you?

He deserves league MVP votes. 

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo/DeMarcus Ware

Had to go with both guys. 

Romo's 22 touchdowns and only nine interceptions have made the Cowboys relevant again, but without the 15.0 sacks from DeMarcus Ware, I'm not sure Dallas is on top of the NFC East right now.

No. 9 received great contributions from DeMarco Murray when things were a little shaky in the middle of the year.

Both Romo and Ware are among the best at their positions and Ware has been consistent all season. 

Chicago Bears: Matt Forte

Any question here? 

Didn't think so. 

Forte is the heartbeat of the Chicago Bears and was a legitimate league MVP candidate through the first 11-and-a-half games of the season. 

He accumulated 997 yards on the ground and 490 yards receiving—Marshall Faulk-type numbers. 

Now that he's injured, we'll really see his importance to the Bears. 

Good luck holding onto that playoff spot, Chicago. 

Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner

Matt Ryan has had somewhat of an up-and-down 2011, and really hasn't taken that next step into the "elite quarterback" discussion. 

Meanwhile, Turner has demonstrated his importance to the Falcons by the amount of carries he's received in the team's wins and losses. 

The overtime loss to the Saints was the only time he carried the ball more than 20 times and Atlanta didn't emerge victorious. 

The Falcons have the talent at wide receiver and tight end, but they cannot forget about their supremely talented bulldozer of a runner.