Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) reacts to his sack of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Sean Mannion (14) (not pictured) during the first quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Another week, another shuffling of the 2016 NFL MVP Power Rankings
The last set of power rankings consisted of nothing but…..quarterbacks. Those rankings were met with a few disagreements despite the NFL being a pass-heavy league.
Based on what transpired this past week, there will definitely be some movement amongst the rankings. The key to these rankings are not just stats but how important a player is to the team’s success. What is also a key note is that these rankings can very well be totally different by season’s end. Perfect example of that is last season when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton took the league by storm and convincingly won the award.
Notion aside, it’s time to crack open these rankings. Let’s get started.
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
5. WR Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week: 2-0
Last rank: UR
A Steeler came in ranked fifth last week, only it was quarterback Ben Roethlisberger instead. This week, Roethlisberger’s main receiver takes his spot as Brown creeps up the MVP rankings. After three weeks, Brown is first in the NFL in catches, fourth in receiving yards, fifth in receiving yards per game, and 62% of his receptions has resulted in first downs.
Brown was pretty much the lone bright spot for Pittsburgh during their 34-3 loss to the Eagles as he posted 12 catches for 140 yards. It’s worth noting that Brown’s solid start to the season has been without teammate Martavis Bryant. With corners Marcus Peters and Darrelle Revis on the horizon soon, it will be interesting to see if Brown can continue on his productive pace.
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
4. QB Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Last week: 1-1
Last rank: UR
So far, Ryan has been easily been one of, if not the best, quarterbacks in the league. Granted, he may have played three defenses who range between average to poor, but of course, Ryan himself can’t help that. The franchise quarterback is fourth in the league in passing yards, seventh in completion percentage, fourth in passing yards per game, tied for third in passing touchdowns, along with just one interception on the season.
Currently, the Falcons are sitting in first place in the NFC South and whether they remain in that position as the season goes on remains to be seen but for sure, the Falcons would not be their current position without the stellar play of Ryan.
Consistency is key for the quarterback they call “Matty Ice”. Ryan was quite off in 2015 as his play concerned the fan base as well as the coaching staff but so far in 2016, Ryan is locked in and has looked great.
Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
3. QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Last week: 1-1
Last rank: 1st
If you’ve been keeping track of these rankings this season, Newton has literally been up-and-down on this listing and his last showcase against the Vikings drops him again. Newton was completely throttled by the Vikings and their elite-level defense as Newton was sacked eight times while also completing just 60% of his passes with zero touchdowns and three interceptions.
So why he remains on the countdown you may ask? Newton remains on the countdown mainly because he entered the season as the favorite to walk away with the award and his two worst games have come at the expense of playing two stellar defenses in Denver and Minnesota.
The Panthers may have hit a funk to start the season and Newton himself is in a similar funk as well but his ability to affect a defense with his powerful arm as well as unique ability in the run game proves he is too talented to not be on this list. I’m going to chalk his two down games as just running into outstanding defenses. It’s only a matter of time until Newton is torching defenses on a regular basis.
Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to pass in the third quarter during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
2. QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Broncos
Last week: 1-1
Last rank: 2nd
Rodgers stays put in the MVP race after an impressive week three in a home win over the Detroit Lions. While he hasn’t torched defenses with a ton of passing yards, he does possess a solid 7:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio along with two rushing touchdowns.
Those seven touchdown passes places him third in the league and an upcoming bye week is exactly what Rodgers and the Packers needed. Following the bye, the Giants, Cowboys, and Bears all loom as home contests for the Packers which means Rodgers has an opportunity to improve those stats especially with the notion that Rodgers is a much different QB at home. The slow start for the entire Packers offense doesn’t back his spot on the list but Rodgers is bound to justify his position here and it will probably happen sooner than later.
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
1. DE/OLB Von Miller, Denver Broncos
Last week: 2-0
Last rank: UR
Another new entrant amongst the ranking this week. Only this time, it’s a player who faces long odds to win MVP due to his position but there is no doubt he has been arguably the best defensive player in the league over the course of the last season or so.
Miller leads the NFL in sacks with five to go along with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. His week two performance against the Indianapolis Colts was masterful with his three sacks and forced fumble which lead to the game-sealing touchdown for the Broncos. It’s evident that Miller is the best player in Denver and even with their deep arsenal of pass rushers, Miller’s absence on the Broncos defense can have a lasting impact. Vaulting all the way to the #1 spot is probably going to puzzle some but right now, Miller is the most valuable player on the arguably the best team in the league. His value is unique based on the fact that he doesn’t touch the ball often but his impact is difficult to deny.
More from NFL Mocks
This article originally appeared on 
