The NFL’s MVP race is expected to come down to two candidates – Bucs QB Tom Brady or Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. According to most sites, Rodgers is still the slight favorite to win the award. But, according to Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, the race has only one clear winner.
“I think if [Brady] doesn’t get it, it’s a travesty,” Arians said. “I mean, most completions ever, 5,000 yards, touchdowns. The whole nine yards. To me, it’s not even a close race.”
Brady has the statistical advantage over Rodgers in almost every category, including yards, touchdowns, completions and less sacks. Rodgers has thrown just four interceptions to Brady’s 12, but much of that is luck. Brady’s been incredibly unlucky with turnovers this season, while Rodgers has been very lucky. In fact, Rodgers has a higher percentage of turnover-worthy plays than Brady, per Pro Football Focus.
But the voter fatigue is real with the Bucs quarterback. At 44 years old, people are tired of Brady continuing to dominate year after year. That being said, the same could be said for Rodgers. Given the choice between the two, will voters lean toward the historical year Brady has had? The odds don’t seem to suggest it. But the tape, stats and analytics are in Brady’s favor.
An announcement on the MVP award will come on February 12.