The NFL season is winding down with some of the top teams at least considering resting their stars so they're fresh for playoff runs.
With two (potentially crucial) games to go in the regular season, players' 2012 resumes aren't yet complete, but they're full enough for early MVP considerations, Your! Call style.
After taking a year off, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady's rivalry returned in full force this year; the only difference being the colour of Manning's jersey. Any fear of lingering neck issues have long since been alleviated as Manning has led the Denver Broncos to an 11-3 record and AFC West title. Not to be outdone, Brady has had yet another Brady-like season in leading the New England Patriots to a 10-4 record and AFC East title.
But even with Manning's terrific season in Denver, the Indianapolis Colts surely have no regrets moving on from the veteran in favour of Andrew Luck. A year after finishing dead last in the league, the rookie has the team in a playoff position through Week 15. Luck, along with fellow rookie phenom Robert Griffin III, have become instant stars and outside MVP candidates.
Two potential record-breakers may also find themselves in the MVP conversation a couple weeks from now. Adrian Peterson, less than a year removed from a gruesome knee injury, has been running all over the league and is now just 294 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. And Calvin Johnson, despite troubles finding the end zone this year, sits just 181 receiving yards behind Jerry Rice's single-season record of 1,848.
And then there are the defensive players.
JJ Watt and Aldon Smith have been battling for the league-lead in sacks all season. They are currently tied at 19.5, three shy of Michael Strahan's single-season record. And while Vonn Miller's sack total of 16 falls shy of the lead, his overall impact on the defensive side of the ball rivals that of Watt's and Smith's.
With two games remaining in the regular season, who is the 2012 NFL MVP?
As always, it's Your! Call.
