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NFL MVP Race: Top five candidates heading into Week 16

By Ian O'Brien

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes away from Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (50) in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes away from Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (50) in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings running back continues to be the best running back in the NFL, and he has almost single-handedly carried the Vikings offense throughout the season. Peterson currently leads the NFL in rushing with 1,314 yards while also rushing for nine touchdowns. Peterson’s production has helped the Vikings produce the fifth-best rushing offense in the NFL, and they have overcome the 31st-ranked passing offense thanks to his performance.

The Vikings are still fighting for a chance to win the NFC North with a 9-5 record, but they will have to face the Green Bay Packers in their last game of the regular season. It is looking even more likely that the NFC North title will come down to this game. Peterson has been quiet lately, but the Vikings offense will count on him to help them seal their trip to the playoffs.

Despite Peterson’s recent underwhelming play, his overall performance speaks for itself. Peterson has broken the 100-yard barrier six times this season while running for over 200 yards in Week 10. The Vikings running back will have a long ladder to climb to gain attention over this year’s top quarterbacks. Playing at this sort of level at 30 years old deserves a high amount of recognition though.

Next: 4. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks

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