NFL 2016: Top 5 MVP candidates after Week 1

By Adam Jacobs | Sep 13, 2016

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees warms up prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Drew Brees

The only player on my list whose team lost on opening week, Drew Brees showed on Sunday why he is one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Brees opened up the season with a gritty performance including 423 yards and four TDs in a stunning loss to the Oakland Raiders.

The Saints lost the game due to Raiders coach Jack Del Rio’s gutsy call to go for a two-point conversion with less than a minute to go. Brees did everything in his power to win the game only to fall just short.

Brees recorded his 14^th 400-yard game, tying Peyton Manning for the all-time NFL record. The Saints had two different receivers with each over 140 yards including a record setting 98-yard TD pass to Brandin Cooks.

Brees was able to get New Orleans within striking distance for a last second, 61-yard field goal, but Saints kicker Will Lutz came up short. Drew Brees continues to prove his doubters wrong, and even without a victory, is squarely in the hunt for league MVP.

Next: Antonio Brown

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