It’s starting to look like one of two things has happened to Peyton Manning. He either got really old really fast — or, he’s hurt.
We come to that conclusion simply because of how bad he’s played lately, and he took things to another level Monday night in Cincinnati.
Manning and the Denver Broncos lost their fleeting chance to win the AFC’s top seed by losing to the “we usually can’t do anything right in prime-time games” Bengals. Cincy was helped by the fact that Manning threw four interceptions, including a couple of crippling picks late in the game, one that was returned for a touchdown.
Manning and the Broncos have a lot more to worry about than the MVP award. But with Manning’s play on the decline — including that stinker Monday — and the likelihood that he’ll either not play at all or play very little Sunday in a meaningless game, there’s no chance he wins the award.
In fact, we’re ready to drop him out of the MVP power rankings and add someone else to the mix.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers (Last week: 1)
Sunday in Tampa Bay wasn’t always easy for Rodgers and the Packers, but they found a way to get the job done. Rodgers bounced back with a good showing following the disaster in Buffalo. Rodgers can all but wrap up the second MVP of his career Sunday when the Packers host the Lions with the NFC North title on the line, especially when you consider just about everyone else on this list has nothing to play for in Week 17.
Week 16 stats: 31-of-40 passing for 318 yards and one TD with no INTs in 30-3 win over Buccaneers
Season stats: 11-4 record, 36 TD passes, five INTs, 8.3 yards per attempt, 65.1 percent completion percentage
2. J.J. Watt, Defensive end, Houston Texans (Last week: 2)
Watt still is very much alive. There’s an outside chance the Texans make the playoffs, and if they do, it’s probably going to be because of Watt — because of course. Watt “only” had one sack Sunday, but if you saw any of the fourth quarter, you got to see just how much Watt can change the game. He was in the backfield just about every time Joe Flacco dropped back which made the Ravens’ comeback effort nearly impossible.
Week 16 stats: seven tackles and one sack in 25-13 win over Ravens
Season stats: 17.5 sacks, one interception (for a TD), five fumble recoveries (one for a TD), three receiving TDs
3. Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots (Last week: 3)
Brady’s old nemesis, Rex Ryan, did all he could to slow down Brady and the Patriots. And is usually the case, New England still found a way to get it done. But again, Brady was just OK. One of the biggest things that hurt his case for the MVP has been the offensive line play. The Patriots look like they’re having issues with protection again, and like most quarterbacks, Brady’s play drops off a few levels when he’s running for his life. Go figure, right? Not having Julian Edelman didn’t help, either.
Week 16 stats: 23-of-35 passing for 182 yards and one TD with one INT in 17-16 win over Jets
Season stats: 12-3 record, 33 TD passes, nine INTs, 7.6 yards per attempt, 64.5 percent completion percentage
4. DeMarco Murray, Running back, Dallas Cowboys (Last week: 5)
What a tough hombre. One week after breaking his hand, Murray was back in the lineup with a little bit of extra padding on that banged-up hand. Now he needs just 28 yards to pass some guy named Emmitt Smith to set a new Cowboys single-season rushing record. Murray’s also a huge reason why Tony Romo is in the MVP discussion now. Speaking of …
Week 16 stats: 22 carries for 58 yards and a TD
Season stats: 373 carries for 1,745 yards and 12 TDs
5. Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys (Last week: Unranked)
Welp. We kind of had to do it. We’ve reached the point where we can’t deny the sorts of numbers Romo’s putting up this season. He leads the league in passer rating, completion percentage and yards per attempt. But here’s the thing: How much credit do you give Romo? He’s got an incredible offensive line. Murray has been the NFL’s best running back. Dez Bryant is one of the NFL’s top three receivers. Romo has more help than ever around him, and to his credit, he’s making the most of it.
Week 16 stats: 18-of-20 passing for 218 yards for four TDs and no INTs in 42-7 win over Colts
Season stats: 11-3 record, 32 TD passes, eight INTs, 8.5 yards per attempt, 70.3 percent completion percentage
6. Rob Gronkowski, Tight end, New England Patriots (Last week: 4)
Gronkowski had a touchdown on Sunday, his 12th of the season, which is tied for third in the league. You knew the Jets were screwed when Gronk broke the huddle and went wide left with single coverage on the outside. There was a never a doubt, as it’s next to impossible to cover him with one man on a short field.
Week 16 stats: six receptions for 31 yards and one TD
Season stats: 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and 12 TDs
Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images
