MVP Race Week 16: Tomlinson Will Win, Manning Should

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: If his defensive teammates could tackle, this wouldn't seem like a surprising choice. This might be Manning's best year: His passing numbers are as good as ever despite injuries and roster turnover that have robbed him of Edgerrin James, Brandon Stokley and Dallas Clark.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson, running back, Chargers: He'll win the media award, maybe even unanimously, because of his touchdown record. No running back can take over a game the way Manning can, though.

3. Drew Brees, quarterback, Saints: In the last few weeks Brees has fallen well off the 5,000-yard pace he was keeping for much of the year, but Brees is clearly the NFC's best quarterback and one of the league's best stories this season.

4. Jason Taylor, defensive end, Dolphins: The Dolphins had nothing to play for, but Taylor was great again on Christmas. He's a special player, but we don't yet know if he'll be past his prime by the time the Dolphins put enough good teammates around him.

5. Marc Bulger, quarterback, Rams: Surprised to see this name? He has had an outstanding year despite having to play in a new offense with a new coach, and although the Rams are technically alive in the playoff race mostly because the NFC doesn't have six good teams, they're in the playoff race in large part because Bulger is having a great year.