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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; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks with Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) following a 30-13 Seattle victory at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks with Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) following a 30-13 Seattle victory at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks

Wilson would not have been considered an MVP candidate a month ago, but he has been playing out of his mind in his last five games. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has thrown 19 touchdown passes with zero interceptions during this span, and the Seahawks have won five games in a row thanks to his play. The Seahawks offense has proven that it can function without running back Marshawn Lynch, and even a season-ending injury to Thomas Rawls has not halted Wilson’s momentum.

Wilson has also completed at least 70 percent of his passes during his hot streak, and he currently leads the NFL in passer rating with a 111.4 rating. He has thrown for 29 touchdown passes with just seven interceptions, and he has also set a career high in passing yards with 3,538. The Seahawks were once considered to be a long shot to make the playoffs, but Wilson has guided the Seahawks back to the postseason for the fourth consecutive year; they clinched with a win over the Cleveland Browns while improving to 9-5.

Wilson will have a golden opportunity to raise his MVP stock even more in Week 17 when the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals. His slow start will likely prevent him from winning the award though.

Next: 3. Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals

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