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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; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Brady leads the league in touchdown passes with 35, and he continues to show that he can make it work no matter who he is throwing to. Tight end Rob Gronkowski avoiding a serious injury has certainly helped the New England Patriots offense stay afloat, but there is no denying Brady’s impact on the Patriots offense. He has only thrown six interceptions, and he leads the league in passing yards with 4,405 while posting a 103.8 passer rating. The Patriots are still without their leading wide receiver in Julian Edelman.

The Patriots quarterback has led the Patriots to a 12-2 record, and they are in prime position to defend their Super Bowl title with home field advantage. Brady has not led the Patriots to a 16-0 record as many expected at the midseason point, but the Patriots have now won at least 12 games for the sixth straight season. They will also be going to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, which ties for the league lead.

If Brady can reach 40 touchdown passes, it will be even more difficult to not give him the MVP award. However, the frontrunner has played too impressively to lose his stranglehold on the award.

Next: 1. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers

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