Brown leads way-too-early MVP watch

It's never too early to consider who's going to capture the Most Valuable Player award. OK, perhaps that's not true, but it's still a fun exercise nonetheless.

Without further ado, here is the way-too-early MVP watch.

1. Antonio Brown, Steelers

Brown is on pace to become the first player to break the 2,000 receiving yards barrier and may end up becoming the first wide receiver to win NFL MVP. The first-team All-Pro torched Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland, recording eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. With due respect to Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr., Brown is clearly the NFL's best wide receiver and ought to be reflected as such in the MVP race during a pass-heavy era.

2. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers

Don't look now, but Winston is quickly approaching elite status in his second year. Winston submitted a masterful performance in a 31-24 win over the Falcons, going 23-of-33 for 281 yards, and four touchdowns against a lone interception. The 22-year-old made every throw on the field, displaying much-improved deep-ball accuracy on touchdown strikes to Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Once billed as one of the NFL's most promising players, Winston has clearly arrived.

3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

There's little doubt who the NFL's best player is when Aaron Rodgers is locked in. Rodgers was methodical in a 27-23 victory over the Jaguars, throwing for two touchdowns while adding another on the ground. Rodgers excelled in the pocket, outside the pocket, and under pressure, culminating in this jaw-dropping touchdown pass to Davante Adams.

4. A.J. Green, Bengals

A.J. Green smoked seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis en route to 12 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown, as the Bengals edged the Jets 23-22. Revis no longer bears the aura of the NFL's most impenetrable force, but Green's accomplishment still speaks volumes. Green will be the focal point of a potent Bengals' offense, and will do his best to rival Brown as the league's best wideout.

5. Drew Brees, Saints

It would be disingenuous to fault Drew Brees for the Saints' 35-34 loss to the Raiders, as the nine-time Pro Bowler did everything he could to keep his team in the game. Brees finished 28-of-42 for four touchdowns and a league-high 423 yards, propelling the Saints through a shootout. The Saints are expected to be a top-10 offense once again solely because of Brees, and the quarterback will need to be at his best all year to keep his team afloat in the NFC South.