NFL Playoff Scenarios: 4 Players That Could Push for Super Bowl MVP

The Super Bowl MVP is probably the most rewarding distinction for an NFL player to win.

Being named the most valuable player after triumph in pro football's biggest game has got to feel extremely special. 

While quarterbacks have taken home the award more than any other position during the Super Bowl's storied 45-year history, receivers have been named the Super Bowl MVP in three of the last seven years. 

Which players could push to win it in 2012? 

Let's take a look. 

Aaron Rodgers

He won it last year; why can't Aaron Rodgers do it again? 

We're somewhat caught up in his "bad" performance in the Packers' stunning loss to the Chiefs, but the guy still has 40 touchdowns to a mere six interceptions on the season. 

The Packers will most likely wrap up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs so the road to the Super Bowl will go through Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

While a snow game in frigid temperatures doesn't necessarily suit Rodgers and the Packers' vertical passing game, are there any other quarterbacks you trust more than him at home? 

He's been shredding secondaries all season and having to win three games, two at home and one in Indianapolis isn't necessarily a tall task for Mr. Rodgers. 

Drew Brees

Another former Super Bowl MVP, no quarterback is playing more impressively efficient than Brees right now. 

That simple. 

He's thrown for at least 322 yards in the last five games and has 16 interceptions with no interceptions. 

I feel like I've been writing that sentence a lot, but it's so astounding it must be in every Brees or Saints article. 

The running game is ranked eighth in the league and the defense is slowly but surely improving. 

If the Saints can move into that No. 2 spot in the NFC playoffs, Brees will potentially play a game at home, then in Green Bay, before the Super Bowl in Lucas Oil Stadium. 

With the current tear he's on and a chance to play two games indoors, Brees could certainly win his second Super Bowl MVP award. 

Tom Brady

Brady's a sure-fire candidate to win a Super Bowl MVP this February. 

The Patriots defense isn't playing at a championship caliber right now, which actually will help Brady's candidacy if New England captures another title. 

He's thrown 15 touchdowns to only one interception during the Pats' six-game winning streak and has led his team to impressive road wins against the Jets, Eagles and Broncos. 

Brady will have to continue his tear for the Patriots to reach Indianapolis. 

Calvin Johnson

If the Detroit Lions make the postseason and go on a magical run to the Super Bowl, something tells me Calvin Johnson will play a major role. 

He was unstoppable in the team's comeback win over the Raiders on Sunday, catching nine passes for 214 yards with two touchdowns. 

The Lions have a chance to play a the majority of their playoff games in a dome, which certainly benefits Detroit's down-the-field passing offense. 

With possible opponents like Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, there's a shot they'll be involved in some shootouts, giving Megatron more opportunities to explode in the postseason.