NFL MVP?

With one week left in the NFL, who is your choice for MVP? Let's take a look at the pretenders, longshots, and real contenders to see who is the most deserving!

PRETENDERS

Joey Porter (LB, Miami Dolphins)
Why he should: Joey has 17.5 sacks on the season and has led the Dolphins defense on a mission this year. While Porter may not be one of the 'good guys' in the league, his numbers and attitude about football are what you want out of every single player. He may talk trash, but he certainly backs it up!

Why he won't: The Dolphins offense deserves credit for turning the team around as well. Where would this team be without Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown? Also, it is next to impossible to win this award as a defensive player.

James Harrison & Troy Polamalu (LB & SS, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Why they should: These two have led the number one defense all year long. Harrison now has 16 sacks to go along with 7 forced fumbles, while Polamalu continues to make big plays as evidenced by his 7 interceptions.

Why they won't: Hard to determine which one is more valuable of the two and once again, being on defense does not help the matter.

Kurt Warner (QB, Arizona Cardinals)
Why he should: Warner has led the Cardinals to a division title for the first time since 1975. With his strong numbers and a starting spot on the NFC Pro-Bowl roster, Warner could make a great case.

Why he won't: However, the Cardinals play in the weakest division in football and they really haven't beat any strong teams this year. Some of the credit also has to go to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.


LONGSHOTS

Matt Cassell (QB, New England Patriots)
Why he should: The Patriots were done. Finished. Over with. At least that is what everyone said when Tom Brady limped off the field in week one of the regular season. Cassell has put up some monster numbers and the Patriots still have hope of winning the division.

Why he won't: While Cassell has put great numbers, he has struggled in big games. Everyone still seems to count the Patriots as out of the playoffs and people who don't, give the credit to Belichick.

Chris Johnson (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Why he should: Johnson has led one of the best rushing attacks in football. He is the AFC Rookie of the Year without a question and his speed and big play abilities make opposing defenses have to game-plan around him.

Why he won't: You also have to give credit to LenDale White and the defense of the Titans. Kerry Collins as well. The Titans have an all-around great team with many very, very good players.

Ronnie Brown & Chad Pennington (RB & QB, Miami Dolphins)
Why they should: As mentioned earlier, the Dolphins offense has finally been stabilized with Pennigton under center and Ronnie Brown in the backfield. Both have helped the Dolphins turn around from their 1-15 season last year.

Why they won't: While both make big plays, they don't have the big numbers, which is what many voters look at. They would probably also steal votes from each other.

Philip Rivers (QB, San Diego Chargers)
Why he should: LaDainian Tomlinson has looked as if he aged 10 years. Shawne Merriman was lost for the season. The defense has been a mess. But, somehow, someway, the Chargers have hope for the playoffs. It is mostly because of the arm of Philip Rivers. Rivers was the biggest Pro Bowl snub and has the numbers to win this award. He could be the sole reason the Chargers even have a chance at making the playoffs.

Why he won't: Even if the Chargers make it in the playoffs, the record will be only 8-8. Hard to give the MVP to a player that is on a team with that kind of record.

CONTENDERS

DeAngelo Williams (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Why he should: 18 Touchdowns and over 1300 rushing yards while splitting carries with teammate Jonathan Stewart. Williams has finally been given the chance to get touches and he has shown what his abilities can do. The Panthers are in the playoffs and still fighting for a first round bye.

Why he won't: Williams was probably too inconsistent early in the year. In the last four weeks, he has scored 11 of his 18 touchdowns. Stewart and Steve Smith have also helped out this offense.

Michael Turner (RB, Atlanta Falcons)
Why he should: You think San Diego misses this guy with the problems LT has had? Turner has been strong all year and is second in the NFC in rushing yards. He has helped turn the Falcons from laughable into a playoff team. Atlanta made a very smart move in bringing him over and having him prove he definitely is a featured NFL back.

Why he won't: Matt Ryan also deserves credit for the Falcons resurgence. With stability at both positions, the Falcons look like a force for the future.

Adrian Peterson (RB, Minnesota Vikings)
Why he should: When Gus Frerotte and Tavaris Jackson are your starting quarterbacks and you still have a chance to win the division, something must be going on. That something is Adrian Peterson. Peterson has been dominant all year, leading the NFL in rushing yards even with 8 guys in the box on almost every play. There is only one problem keeping him from getting this award.

Why he won't: FUMBLE! Peterson still coughs up the ball too many times. 8 Fumbles this year (4 lost). Ouch. Also, add the fact that the Vikings haven't clinched a playoff spot just yet and Peterson doesn't have the best case.

Peyton Manning (QB, Indianapolis Colts)
Why he should: Done. Over. Washed Up. Good career, Peyton. At least that is what everyone thought after the Colts 3-4 start to open the season. Since then? Only eight straight wins 16 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Nobody wants to face the Colts right now. NOBODY. The Colts are probably the most dangerous team going into the playoffs and the number one reason is Manning.

Why he won't: Because the Colts won't win their division? I don't know. That is the only excuse I have. If it wasn't for Manning, this team would be nothing. He deserves the MVP this year.