NFL MVP Watch (After Week 15)

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) hurdles Denver Broncos safety Josh Bush (20) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

4. WR Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week we mentioned the likes of wide receiver Brandon Marshall (New York Jets) and running backs Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) and Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) as MVP candidates not playing the quarterback position.

But we are even more convinced that Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown deserves serious consideration. In Sunday’s 34-27 comeback win over the Denver Broncos, the six-year pro was targeted 18 times and totaled 16 receptions for 189 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Brown ranks second in the league in receptions (116), first in the NFL in receiving yards (1,586) and has hauled in nine scoring passes in 14 games. Only the Arizona Cardinals have gained more yards per game than the Steelers, who have scored at least 30 points in six consecutive games. Is it little wonder that wide receivers Martavis Bryant (15.8) and Markus Wheaton (17.1) are averaging better than 15 yards per catch and have combined for 10 scores?

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, tight end Heath Miller and versatile running back DeAngelo Williams (and a solid offensive line) are all part of arguably the league’s hottest offense at the moment.

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