10 favorites to win NFL MVP Award in 2016-17 season

10 favorites to win the NFL MVP Award in the 2016-17 season

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

You know fans have become spoiled by your greatness when you can throw for 3,821 yards and 31 touchdowns in a 10-6 season and it’s considered a down year.

True, Aaron Rodgers’ 2015 season was disappointing by his standards, but his standards are higher than almost every quarterback that has ever played the game. The loss of top receiver Jordy Nelson in the preseason last year was a blow the Packers never seemed to recover from.

Rodgers, a career 65 percent passer, completed just 60.7 percent of his throws. Randall Cobb was largely a non-factor, finishing with 79 catches for 829 yards, while the two-headed rushing attack of Eddie Lacy and James Starks failed to have a consistent impact.

And yet, despite the offensive inconsistencies, Rodgers still guided the Packers to 10 wins and a wild-card playoff win. In 2016, the Packers get to reload with a healthy Nelson and the addition of tight end Jared Cook.

A fifth NFC North title in the last six seasons is certainly within reach, as is a third career MVP award for Rodgers.

Next: No. 1: Cam Newton

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