The NFL MVP race for the 2015 season got very interesting in Week 16, as Cam Newton, Tom Brady and Russell Wilson all lost on Sunday, while Carson Palmer led the Cardinals to a big win.
While one game doesn't decide the MVP race, the Panthers no longer being undefeated could open things up for one of the other candidates. Newton has been the favorite for a while now with the Panthers going undefeated, but after the loss to the Falcons in Week 16, players like Palmer and Brady could push ahead for the award.
Wilson was making a strong case with an amazing four game stretch, but after the upset loss to the Rams by the Seahawks, Wilson's chance of winning the MVP is slim. Palmer is making a strong push, while Brady should get consideration for what he has done without some of his top offensive weapons.
Here is a look at the top candidates
Cam Newton, Panthers
Newton has been leading the race for the back half of the season with the Panthers undefeated and while he still likely leads the pack, the loss to the Falcons opens things up. Newton has the stats to win the award and if the Panthers get the number one seed with a win next week, it should only help his chances. Newton lost Kelvin Benjamin before the season started and he also has dealt with injuries to Jonathan Stewart. Newton has combined to put up over 40 touchdowns rushing and passing the ball this season and that could help him win the award.
Carson Palmer, Cardinals
Palmer has had a great season after dealing with a serious injury last year and with the Cardinals at 13-2 and near the top of the NFC, he has a great resume for the award. Palmer has put up great numbers with 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with 4542 passing yards while completing 64 percent of his passes. Palmer lost Chris Johnson to an injury and has helped Larry Fitzgerald have one of the best seasons of his career.
Tom Brady, Patriots
Brady is always in consideration for the award and this season he has put up some great numbers even while dealing with injuries to important players. Names like Dion Lewis, Julian Edelman, LeGarrette Blount, Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski have all missed various amounts of time this season, but Brady has the Pats looking at a first round bye once again. Brady has thrown for 36 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while completing 64 percent of his passes and he has thrown for 4636 yards this season.
Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Wilson nudged into the race after having an amazing four game stretch over the past month, but after a down game against the Rams, Wilson will need to have a great game next week to get real consideration for the award. Wilson has been the MVP of the Seahawks though, as the team has had to play without a healthy Marshawn Lynch for most of the season, putting more pressure on Wilson. Wilson has thrown for 31 TDs and eight picks this season and he has combined for over 4000 total yards while rushing for 541 yards this year.