2013 NFL MVP Predictions from Section 215 Staff-Manning, Peterson Lead The Pack

As we inch closer to the 2013 NFL season, which kicks off Thursday night with a playoff rematch between the defending Superbowl champion Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos, the staff at Section 215 decided to sit down and give our predictions on who will be this year’s NFL MVP.

Here are the top ten NFL MVP favorites according bovada.lv.

Peyton Manning (DEN) QB 5/1
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 13/2
Colin Kaepernick (SF) QB 10/1
Drew Brees (NO) QB 10/1
Adrian Peterson (MIN) RB 12/1
Tom Brady (NE) QB 12/1
Matt Ryan (ATL) QB 15/1
Robert Griffin III (WAS) QB 18/1
Russell Wilson (SEA) QB 18/1
Andrew Luck (IND) QB 25/1

Fortunately none of us are betting on who will be the MVP, because I don’t think any of us predicted that Adrian Peterson would be the MVP last year coming off of a torn ACL. In other words, our predictions are based off of what should happen based on the hours of research that we have done, and not necessarily what will happen.

 Tim Kelly-Section 215 Senior Editor and Lead Writer @KashKelly_TRST

MVP Pick: Aaron Rodgers: Quarterback Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers has been the best quarterback in the NFL over the past two seasons with no one significant presence in the running game. But a duo between James Starks and former Alabama bruiser Eddie Lacy could finally give the Packers a solid running-game. Mike McCarthy has shown the willingness to run the ball just to keep defenses honest over the past few seasons, so if he has a solid running game the Packers should be able to find a solid mix between run and pass plays. The solid running game will open up the passing attack for Rodgers who should throw for over 40 touchdowns and close to 4, 500 yards en route to winning his second NFL MVP in three seasons, despite losing two of his top targets in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.

With an improved running-game led by rookie Eddie Lacy, the Packers passing game should only open up more for Aaron Rodgers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Akiem Bailum-Section 215  National Sports Writer @Li495Akiem

MVP Pick: Peyton Manning: Quarterback Denver Broncos

Despite neck surgery that sidelined him in his last year as an Indianapolis Colt, Peyton Manning didn’t miss a beat in his inaugural season with the Denver Broncos. The addition of Wes Welker to the club will only help Denver’s cause. 2,000 yard rushing seasons don’t happen often, meaning Adrian Peterson is unlikely to duplicate what he did last year. Manning is still one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks and he’ll be your 2013-14 most valuable player.

If Akiem’s prediction comes true, Peyton Manning will win his record 5th NFL MVP in 2013.

Somers Price-Section 215 Staff Writer @Sprice15

MVP Pick: Peyton Manning: Quarterback Denver Broncos

In a year that saw young quarterbacks garner more attention and praise than ever before, a storyline that was as impressive and unlikely as any in year’s past struggled to retain the limelight. Coming off of intensive, nerve-associated offseason surgery, many wondered if Peyton Manning’s return to the NFL was justifiable. 36 years old at the time, Manning had accomplished everything one could hope for in a career and had a spot in Canton waiting for him. Yet the consummate professional, in what was depicted as a rigorous and deliberate rehab, put in all the work necessary to return week 1 for the Broncos and lead his team to a division title. It is hard not to remember the cruel fate dealt to the Broncos at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl Champion Ravens, but the loss gave Manning and his team a rallying cry to try and recreate, and even surpass their 2012 success. Manning’s receivers, who were already considered one of the top units in the league, managed to improve a great deal with the addition of Wes Welker. While it is hard to visualize Welker catching passes from someone not named Brady, Manning might be the only player in the league who can utilize Welker’s skills like his former Patriot teammate could. Manning has also had the benefit of a full offseason without health concerns. Peyton and his brother Eli’s workouts have become the stuff of folklore, and over a year removed from surgery, the expectation is that Manning will have only gotten stronger, even at 37. The AFC West does not appear to pose any sort of real threat to the Broncos for the time being, and with out of division matchups against Philadelphia, Washington, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis; all teams who struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball in 2012, Manning should have ample opportunities to put up more outrageous numbers than usual. When it is all said and done, the man who is often considered to be the best regular season quarterback of all time will hold off the young bucks for one more year and lead his Broncos to another division title, winning his fifth career MVP.

Even as he approaches his late 30’s Peyton Manning continues to produce at a level that has many, including Somers, believing that Manning will break his own personal record by winning his fifth NFL MVP in 2013. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Lacy-Section 215 Staff Writer @MikeyLacy_215 

MVP Pick: Peyton Manning: Quarterback Denver Broncos

Last year there were doubts about how well Peyton Manning would perform. He was on a new team and was coming off a neck injury that caused him to miss an entire season. People questioned if he would look like the MVP he once was, or if he would be a washed up shell of his former self.

Manning answered those questions by turning in a phenomenal season. In 2013, he’s another year removed from the injury, he’s familiar with the Broncos offense, and the team just added one of the NFL’s best wide receivers in Wes Welker. All of this adds up to yet another MVP award for Manning.

Mike agrees with the Vegas odds, and is selecting Peyton Manning as his 2013 NFL MVP. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Meg Werner-Section 215 Staff Writer

MVP Pick: Adrian Peterson: Running-Back Minnesota Vikings

My pick for MVP is Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson. No one can deny this guy’s an athlete after coming back from reconstructive surgery to win the award in 2012. His hard work and determination will motivate him to be nothing but the best. Pair that with freak natural abilities, andyou have the perfect mix to become a two-time MVP. The Vikings offense will rely heavily on Peterson this year with an inexperienced Christian Ponder and a shaky receiving core, giving Peterson plenty of opportunities carry the offensive load. As long as he remains healthy through this season, I see Peterson taking home MVP in 2014.

As long as Adrian Peterson continues back from his torn ACL, Meg sees “All Day” bringing home his second consecutive NFL MVP in 2013.