Seven weeks into the 2014 NFL regular season, here’s how we view the 10 most valuable players in football at this very moment…
1. Peyton Manning, Broncos — Philip Rivers came back to earth against Kansas City, while Manning played his best game of the year against a stellar defense in a blowout victory. The league’s highest-rated passer has gotta be the favorite to win his sixth MVP.
2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers — On an absolute tear. The Packers are dismantling teams and in his last four games Rodgers has 13 touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 137.9 passer rating.
3. Tony Romo, Cowboys — He’s probably the hottest quarterback in the league and he’s leading the 6-1 Cowboys, but Rodgers has done as much with less support from the running game.
4. Philip Rivers, Chargers — Proving how much of a virtual toss-up it is between these four guys, Rivers was in first place last week but has dropped to fourth thanks to one mediocre performance in a home loss.
5. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys — If Adrian Peterson could win it when he put up 2,000 yards there’s no reason Murray shouldn’t be considered right now. He’s on pace for 2,086.
6. Andrew Luck, Colts — I can’t believe Luck isn’t getting more attention. He has carried Indianapolis on this five-game winning streak.
7. Russell Wilson, Seahawks — Seattle’s season is quickly spiraling out of control, but Wilson hasn’t been the issue. He had a 110.1 rating in Sunday’s loss and he still has only two interceptions on the year.
8. J.J. Watt, Texans — Not his best game against the Steelers. Just five pressures, three stops and three tackles….
9. Joe Flacco, Ravens — Steve Smith works wonders because Flacco is having by far the best season of his career and Baltimore is off to a 5-2 start.
10. Tom Brady, Patriots — That’s nine touchdowns and no picks in three consecutive victories. Guess he isn’t washed up after all….