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10 favorites to win the NFL MVP Award in the 2016-17 season

By Andrew C. Lovell

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

At last, we finally arrive at a player that’s already won the MVP Award. Adrian Peterson took home the award in 2012 following a historic season in which he rushed for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Peterson’s yardage total from that season is the second-highest single-season total in NFL history, trailing only Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 yards in 1984.

Peterson turned 31 in March, an age when most running backs have already lost a considerable step. Yet last season, a 30-year-old Peterson led the NFL in rushing (1,485 yards) for the third time in his career. He’s been selected to seven Pro Bowls, been named first-team All-Pro four times, was named the 2012 Offensive Player of the Year, and is one of just 29 players all-time to rush for at least 10,000 yards.

He’s a Hall of Famer, without question, but can he realistically compete for the 2016 MVP Award? The last three running backs (besides Peterson) to win the MVP were LaDainian Tomlinson (2006), Shaun Alexander (2005) and Marshall Faulk (2000) at ages 27, 28 and 27, respectively. Barry Sanders was 29 when he shared the award with Favre in 1997.

Peterson appears to be in great shape and remains the focal points of the Vikings’ offense. It might take another near-2,000-yard season, and the Vikings would have to contend, but an MVP isn’t out of the question for “All Day.”

Next: No. 5: J.J. Watt

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