Ranking the Top 5 2011 NFL MVP Candidates After Week 15

The following are the top five NFL MVP candidates after Week 15 of the season:

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

One loss and human stat line isn't enough to drop Rodgers from the top of the list. He may not be the consensus pick any longer, but Rodgers has still been the best player on the best team this season. Rodgers has thrown for 40 touchdowns and just six interceptions in leading the Packers to a 13-1 record.

2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees is making a strong case for himself over the past couple of weeks, and his 412-yard, five-touchdown performance against the Vikings is only further proof that he belongs in the discussion. Those 412 yards all but guaranteed that Brees will break Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, too. He needs less than 200 over the next two games to set the new mark. 

3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Despite the brilliance of Brees this season, Brady is making it hard for the top two to separate themselves from the pack. Since throwing his 10th interception of the season against the Giants, Brady has 15 touchdown passes and just one pick. His season statistics are right in the range of Brees, too.

One thing working in Brady's factor: The Patriots defense has been horrific this season, but they're still winning. 

4. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

Time to start giving Shady his due. He's second in the NFL in rushing this season with 1,274 yards, but he's leading the league in rushing touchdowns (17) and has 20 total scores. If the Eagles were a playoff team this season, we'd be talking about more in the MVP discussion. At just 6-8, McCoy ranks fourth. 

5. Eli Manning, New York Giants

The Giants laid an egg in an important game Sunday, but you still have to consider his body of work. Manning has thrown 25 touchdowns and leads the NFL in fourth quarter passer rating. Oh, don't forget his six fourth-quarter comebacks, either. There's not much more you can ask out of a quarterback.