Only a few weeks are left until the playoffs, and a few unexpected teams are on top of the conference. This is due to the MVP-worthy players' leadership both on and off the field, and the spectacular performance the players display weekly. At the front of the MVP race is Tom Brady with twenty-three votes and Matt Ryan close behind with twenty followed by Matt Stafford with twelve and Ezekiel Elliot with seven votes. Usually, the MVP is already decided at this point, but this year there are multiple worthy contenders. The award will come down to Brady and Ryan, and these next couple weeks could make it or break it for them.

Matt Ryan has led his team to an 8-5 record, is second in passing yards, second in QBR, and has a first place spot in the NFC South despite having one of the worst defenses in the league. He's thrown thirty touchdowns with only seven interceptions so far and throws an average of 312 yards per game and 9.12 yards per attempt. It's clear that without Ryan, none of this would be possible.

Tom Brady missed the first four games of the season to serve his suspension that he received after last year's Super Bowl win, but he has played as if he hadn't missed a snap on the field. He sits atop the AFC at 11-2 and is on his way to another Super Bowl championship. Brady has thrown for 2876 yards and 8.46 yards per attempt, twenty touchdowns, and only two interceptions this year. In addition, he leads the league in QBR at 82.5 while averaging 320 yards per game. It's tough to determine how great his numbers could really be since he missed four games, but Tom Brady has shown that he isn't going to let that get in the way of his play.

The Patriots will face weak defenses in the Jets and Dolphins which should help Brady's offensive numbers, and the Falcons will be tested with their rival game against the Saints to finish off the season. Both theses quarterbacks make a huge impact on their team and without them, would not have the success the teams have been celebrating this season.