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

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the game and one of the best in the history of the game. Time will prove that. Rodgers’ MVP candidacy will likely come down to Sunday’s NFC North title game against Detroit and if he wins he’ll have the hardware to back up his statistically excellent season.

2. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

J.J. Watt has led a team that had the first pick in the draft to a better than .500 record. He’s having an all-time great season and if the chips somehow fall correctly and the Texans make the playoffs, Watt will have a real shot at winning MVP. Watt has over 100 quarterback pressures, 17.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, five touchdowns and he’s probably the best player in the NFL.

3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Tom Brady isn’t the most outstanding quarterback in football this year, but he might play on the best team. Brady is the guy that everyone trusts in the biggest spots and he has a fantastic resume.

4. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

DeMarco Murray and Tony Romo are going to split MVP votes. It’s not good for either guy, but it’s great for the Cowboys that they have no fewer than two very legitimate MVP candidates. Murray has 2,140 yards from scrimmage this season with a dozen touchdowns.

5. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo is outplaying his perception and he really has throughout his entire career. In his 12th season, Romo is playing the best football of his career coming off back surgery. Romo is completing an amazing 70.3 percent of his throws for 3,406 yards with 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. The four to one touchdown to interception ratio is the best of his career, as is his 114.4 quarterback rating.