… ponder the NFL MVP race. One thing seems certain: It’s going to be a QB or RB. It’s been one or the other since 1988. Worthless trivia: Jerry Rice in 1987 was the last non-QB or RB to win the award. And for anyone campaigning for Joey Porter of the Dolphins, the last defensive player to capture the honor was the original LT in 1986. A few of the popular candidates for this year’s award, and then two why-the-heck-not names:

Obvious
Kurt Warner – Has Cards one win away from first NFC West title, which would be the first time they’ve won anything since the ‘Nam. 2nd in QB rating, 2nd in passing yards, 3rd in TDs.
Drew Brees – Stat monster for 6-5 Saints: 4th in QB rating, 2nd in completions, 1st in passing yards, 2nd in TDs. Seems like a Colt Brennan or Graham Harrell – system guy who boasts big numbers.
Brett Favre - Ageless wonder has Jets tied for the 2nd best record in the AFC, and they just knocked off the unbeaten Titans. 1st in completion percentage, 4th in TDs.
Clinton Portis - NFL rushing leader is the primary reason the Redskins are one of the biggest surprise teams in the league and in the playoff mix with a rookie head coach in the most difficult division in football.
Peyton Manning – Grandfathered in just because. Hindered by a poor defense, he’s orchestrated late wins over the Vikings, Texans, Steelers and Chargers, all on the road.

No Shot, But Still Valuable as Hell
Matt Ryan, Falcons – If you took the projections of 50 pundits in the preseason as to what Atlanta’s record would be, we’re going to guess the average would be four victories. Ryan’s got them to seven. RB Michael Turner has been incredible, but Ryan’s rookie season has been nothing short of astonishing.
Jerod Mayo, New England - Only a rookie, but considering the Pats’ defensive losses this season (Samuel to the Eagles; Rodney Harrison and Adailus Thomas to injury), it’s rather surprising that they’re still the 8th best scoring defense in football. A lot of it can be attributed to Mayo, who is 4th in the league in solo tackles with 70.