Each week we'll look at the players who would have the best shot at the league MVP award if the season ended right now.1. Peyton Manning, quarterback, Colts: He was already at the top of the MVP list, then he has to go out and turn in maybe the best game any player in the league has had this year, making this a rather boring discussion. He's so far ahead of the rest of the league that as we near the halfway point, there's not really a good argument for anyone else to be the MVP.
2. Damon Huard, quarterback, Chiefs: It just seems crazy to have this guy in this discussion, but Huard keeps playing like a star. If Trent Green hadn't gotten hurt, Huard might never have had a chance to be an NFL quarterback.
3. Donovan McNabb, quarterback, Eagles: Don't let the Eagles' 4-4 record fool you. This is a good team, and McNabb is a great player. Manning is the only quarterback in the league who has been more productive this year, and McNabb doesn't have the high-quality receivers that Manning has.
4. Julius Peppers, defensive end, Panthers: He had a quiet Sunday night against Dallas, but Peppers is still the best defensive player in football. (Note: San Diego's Shawne Merriman would probably get this spot were it not for his looming steroid suspension.)
5. Tiki Barber, running back, Giants: He's the best player on a first-place team and leading the league in rushing yards. Every team should have such distractions.




