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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; 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 /

1. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers

The Carolina Panthers blew a 35-7 lead to the Giants and allowed 28 consecutive unanswered points, but Newton did not let this deter him from leading the Panthers downfield to set up the game-winning field goal. Even if the Panthers lost, he would still be the most deserving MVP candidate since he threw five touchdown passes against the Giants. He has achieved this feat three times now, and he has done this with a poor receiving corps; Ted Ginn being a starter says everything about the weapons Newton has to throw to.

Newton has played at the highest level during the best time to show off his skills for MVP voters. The Panthers quarterback has thrown for 18 touchdown passes with one interception in his last five games, and he now has 33 touchdown passes with just 10 interceptions to go with a 98.9 passer rating. Newton has also rushed for 580 yards and seven touchdowns. His 40 total touchdowns lead the league.

Even if you don’t pay attention to his stats, Newton is the clear MVP frontrunner due to his leadership and clutch play. His phenomenal fourth-quarter play has helped the Panthers become the fourth team in NFL history to start with a 14-0 record. The former Heisman Trophy winner has engineered three fourth-quarter comebacks and four game-winning drives this season.

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