Top 10 NFL MVP Candidates Heading Into Week 13

Enjoying a true breakout season, Marcell Dareus has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL this season. Dareus has unreal athletic ability for a man of his size, and with plenty of talent around him, he should continue to dominate opposing linemen.

Tied with Luke Kuechly for the most tackles in the league at 116, Lavonte David has taken his game to another level this season despite the atrocious play around him. David is a special linebacker who has yet to reach his full potential. When he is fully developed, David could end up even higher on this list.

With over 1000 yards receiving and nine touchdowns this season, Jordy Nelson has arguably been the best receiving in the league this year. Nelson has excellent chemistry with QB Aaron Rodgers, and should continue to put up huge numbers down the stretch.

Perhaps the best inside linebacker in the NFL, Luke Kuechly has been one of the few bright spots in a tough season for the Carolina Panthers. With 116 tackles, Kuechly has made plays all over the field this season, and he is producing at an MVP-level rate.

With a league-leading 13 sacks on the season, Justin Houston has improved upon his breakout 2013 campaign in impressive fashion. Houston is the best pure pass rusher in the league right now, and his play has been simply outstanding all season long.

As the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray has put to rest any questions about his ability to be a starting running back in the league. Murray is a huge reason why the Cowboys are 8-3 right now, and there’s little doubt he has been the best running back in the NFL so far.

2014 has been another great year for Peyton Manning, and despite his declining skills, he remains an MVP candidate. He doesn’t have a lot of arm strength left, and his numbers have fallen off from last year’s record-setting performance; however, Manning remains an elite quarterback worthy of MVP consideration.

In his third season, Andrew Luck has been given more responsibility than ever in the Colts’ offense, and he has made the most of his opportunity. As the league leader in passing yards, Luck is putting up very good numbers, and while the Colts have fallen off a bit in recent weeks, Luck is an elite quarterback that could very well be the MVP at season’s end.

Although it’s very hard for defensive players to win the MVP award, J.J. Watt is very deserving. Watt is not only a great pass-rusher, he’s also dominant in the running game, and he’s even begun to catch touchdown passes as a tight end this season. Watt is a dominant force that could very well end up taking home the MVP award when it’s all said and done this season.

After missing significant time last season due to injury, Aaron Rodgers was expected to come back with a vengeance this season, but nobody could have expected this much from the star quarterback. With 30 touchdown passes and just three interceptions this season, Rodgers has to be considered the current front-runner to bring home the 2014 MVP award.