MVN » NFL MVP Odds: Who Can Dethrone Peyton Manning?

Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning gestures from the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of their NFL preseason football game in Toronto August 19, 2010. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

The 2010 NFL season is only ten days away, and predictions are in full force around the football world.

Today’s set, is putting together the contenders for this years NFL MVP.

Peyton Manning is the defending champion once again, having led his team to the Super Bowl before falling short to the Saints.

Who are my contenders to replace number 18 as this years MVP?

Here are my top five players, and my own odds of them winning.

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5. Matt Schaub

Those who have seen my recent rankings of quarterbacks a few months ago know that I am a big fan of Matt Schaub in 2010.

I have even mentioned him being a dark horse candidate, which is why he is worthy of making this list.

Schaub was among the league leaders in overall passing. His yards and touchdown rate improved greatly, and is finally opening eyes around many executives in the NFL.

The biggest question is can the Texans reach the post-season? I believe Schaub hasn’t earned the full credit he deserves because his team failed to make the playoffs.

Many people have Houston making the playoffs this year. For Schaub to fulfill the dream of winning the MVP, he needs to find some success in the post-season to garner more consideration.

Odds: 25-1

4. Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson has set plenty of goals for himself in 2010. One of them is to break Eric Dickerson’s record of most rushing yards in a season.

However, can Johnson get more MVP consideration in 2010?

Here is what CJ has going for him. He has made a name for himself as arguably the best running back in football.

Johnson leads a Titans team that almost made a magical one into the post-season last year.

Are the odds stacked against him to win MVP? Sure, as a quarterback has the edge in the NFL now.

But if he can gain near 2000 yards, and lead the Titans back to the post-season, maybe he shocks everyone by adding a MVP award to his trophy case.

Odds: 18-1

3. Tom Brady

Tom Brady rose to the occasion in 2009, a year after he had to rehab from knee surgery in the off season.

Brady was an MVP candidate last year, and I have more confidence in seeing him win it this year.

He has all of his weapons returning ( Wes Welker will be back early in the year, Randy Moss still around) and saw his offense improve through the draft as well.

I also have a gut feeling that Brady has at least one good playoff run in him. With upgrades on the defensive side, I am not ruling out the Pats of making a run to the Super Bowl.

Top stats + playoffs= top consideration as an NFL MVP.

Odds: 12-1

2. Drew Brees

As the Saints look to repeat as champions, Drew Brees must lead the way in 2010.

Last year’s Super Bowl candidate has everything in place to show the NFL how New Orleans will continue their winning ways.

Brees will have to pile up similar numbers as he did last year to not only propel the Saints to another division title, but to give him a better shot at votes than he saw last year.

Odds: 8-1

1. Aaron Rodgers

The 2010 NFL MVP? It may be Aaron Rodgers, who I have confidence in overtaking Peyton Manning as this seasons best player.

Green Bay’s weapons ( Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Ryan Grant) gives Rodgers plenty of options to throw to in the pass heavy offense.

Include the upgrade at offensive line through the draft, and one year of being in the post-season, the Packers are giving people reason to believe why they can be Super Bowl contenders.

The keys to his success of being MVP is to defeat Brett Favre and the Vikings for the division crown, and improve on the playoff success last year.

Odds: 5-1