Final NFL MVP candidate watch 2021

The award for the NFL’s most valuable player from the 2021 season comes down to two quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady formed were in a two-man race the back half of the year, and each built a case for MVP based on statistics, monumental performances and overall value to their respective franchises. Both quarterbacks led their teams convincingly to the playoffs, and both were subsequently done playing in the divisional round. Fortunately, this is a regular-season award. The fact that neither quarterback will be playing for a championship does not factor into who walks away as the MVP at the NFL Honors, which are Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+/NFL Network).

Based on how our ESPN panel — Sam Acho, Stephania Bell, Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Courtney Cronin, Jeremy Fowler, Jason Reid, Kevin Seifert, Mike Tannenbaum, Seth Walder and Field Yates — voted here, we agree with the consensus around the NFL that Rodgers will edge out Brady. Nine of our 11 voters put the Green Bay quarterback in the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive year.

There wasn’t much leapfrogging this season. Arizona’s Kyler Murray was the front-runner for the first seven weeks after leading the Cardinals to an undefeated start. Once injury cost him his next three games, Brady emerged as the top name, with Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert also making a case. But as we learned last year, never count out Rodgers, who could become the fifth player in NFL history to win the MVP in consecutive seasons. Both Rodgers and Brady are seeking their fourth NFL MVP award, but there are five others who also need to be recognized for the seasons they put together.

Note: All odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.

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2021 stats: 4,115 passing yards, 40 total TDs, 4 INTs, 69.2 QBR

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