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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; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals

The Cardinals offense used to continually struggle due to not having a competent quarterback. Palmer has changed this dramatically and leads one of the top offenses in the entire NFL. The Cardinals have scored 31.8 points per game, and this ranks second in the NFL. They continued their momentum with 40 points on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles, and they now hold a 12-2 record. Palmer has managed to make it work even with his top two running backs in Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington out. The Cardinals quarterback has tied his career high for touchdown passes with 32 while throwing just nine interceptions.

Palmer has not turned the ball over in his last four games, and the Cardinals are riding an eight-game winning streak. Their victory over the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC West title for them. The Cardinals still have to beat the Packers to clinch the No. 2 seed, but that will provide Palmer with a perfect opportunity to argue his case as an MVP frontrunner. The Cardinals also have to face the Seahawks in their final game.

While there will be no division title at stake, Palmer will be taking on one of the best defenses in the NFL. Week 17 is also the best time to impress MVP voters.

Next: 2. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

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