It’s time for our weekly check-in on the race for MVP.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is simply the best football player at the most difficult position in sports. Rodgers makes difficult things look very easy and he’s on a record pace. It’s time that we not only acknowledge that Rodgers is the best in the game, but one of the best ever.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Tom Brady is becoming more of a game manager as his career goes on and that’s okay because the Patriots are winning. It looks as if New England is reverting back to the mid-2000’s where they leaned more on a running game and good defense to win titles.

3. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

DeMarco Murray was on a bye week so that shouldn’t drop him on our list. Murray will have to play well next Sunday as the Cowboys have a battle with the New York Giants on national television. Murray still leads the NFL in rushing by nearly 300 yards over Le’Veon Bell, who has played in one more game.

4. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

Manning was due for a bad game and he had one in Sunday’s 22-7 loss to the Rams. The game showed just how dependent the Broncos are on Manning, as their running game struggled and they couldn’t do much when Peyton wasn’t on his game. The arm strength concerns may once again rear their head down the stretch when the weather worsens.

5. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

J.J. Watt does everything for the Texans defense, and even has a pair of touchdown receptions on offense. Although the Texans don’t appear to be a real playoff contender, Watt is a major reason why they’re a .500 team and he is not only the league’s best defensive player but one of the best of all time.