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NFL MVP 2015: Who is leading the race?

By Matt Verderame

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons went 6-10 and head coach Mike Smith was fired. There were also rumblings of whether or not quarterback Matt Ryan was overrated, failing to get his team into the playoffs once again. However, Ryan is showcasing his skills once more in 2015, and Atlanta is ablaze with excitement once more.

Under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, the running game has picked up and the offensive line is no longer offensive. All these factors have allowed Ryan more time to throw, and with defenses off-balance, the former Boston College star has thrown for 1,751 yards, third-best in the NFL. Ryan has been limiting his turnovers, throwing just four interceptions and leading the Falcons to a 5-1 record.

Atlanta has changed the way it plays, but the one constant is Ryan. He is the most important player on the field for the Falcons, and his sharp play has them flying high in the NFC South.

Next: 3. Andy Dalton

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