NFL MVP Watch: Tom Brady, Rookie Lead Week 1 Edition

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback

(3) throws during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

5. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

Since 2013, the Arizona Cardinals are 17-6 with Carson Palmer as the starting quarterback. In that time, Arizona is also 5-6 in 11 games—including the postseason—without Palmer under center.

During Week 1, Palmer showed exactly why Arizona is so much more dangerous with him playing.

Out-dueling Drew Brees is an excellent way to move into the MVP conversation.

The Cardinals have won 10-plus games in consecutive seasons, which is reason enough to believe in Palmer’s MVP campaign. He may not receive the award, but he’s been one of the winningest regular season quarterbacks in the NFL over the past two seasons.

Since Week 8 of the 2013 regular season, no one has been more consistent at leading their team to victory.

The question is, can Palmer remain healthy?

The former Heisman Trophy winner played in just six games during the 2014 regular season. A severe knee injury ended his year, but it doesn’t seem to have slowed him down early in 2015.

With John Brown emerging as a red zone threat and Larry Fitzgerald rediscovering some of his old form, Palmer could be in for a huge year.

Next: The Reigning MVP