Aaron Rodgers has fierce competition for 2021 NFL MVP

MVP projections are out for the NFL, with Pro Football Focus listing Aaron Rodgers as one of four candidates to take the trophy in 2021. As Rodgers’ age continues to rise, so do his numbers. The 37-year-old Green Bay Packers quarterback set career highs in touchdowns (48) and ESPN’s QBR (84.4) while claiming his third MVP award in 2020.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes enters 2021 as the favorite; while Rodgers joins Tom Brady and Josh Allen as honorable mentions.

The Packers finished 13-3 last season and lost in the NFC Championship to eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay. Rodgers led the NFL in touchdowns and finished seventh in passing yards (4,299). His connection with receiver Davante Adams (98.6 receiving yards per game) is one of the best in the league.

Green Bay will once again have a chance to finish among the top teams in the NFC. Only the Buccaneers have a better chance at making the Super Bowl, according to Vegas odds. If the Packers get there, it will be because of Rodgers. One has to assume he plays at an MVP level once again if that is the case.

His PFF passing grade of 94.7 was more than two points higher than second-place Brady (92.3). Rodgers faces a much tougher schedule in 2021 that includes the Ravens, 49ers, Steelers, Rams and Cardinals. All five of those teams finished in the top 10 defenses in the NFL a year ago. His ability to navigate those difficult opponents will define the Packers’ season.

So what must Aaron Rodgers’ numbers look like if he hopes to repeat as MVP?

He will need to keep his mistakes down, which hasn’t been an issue for him in his career. He has thrown only 11 interceptions over the past three seasons (48 games). The bigger challenge will be keeping up offensively with Mahomes, Brady and Allen.

Brady in particular has several more weapons at receiver, while Allen and Mahomes are both just 25 and already putting up eye-popping stats. Rodgers spread the ball around outside of Adams, who commanded a massive 29.7% target share last season. His next highest teammate saw just 12.6%.

Randall Cobb made his return to Green Bay this offseason after brief stints in Dallas and Houston. His lone 1,000-yard season came with the Packers and perhaps he can reignite an old connection with Rodgers this year. Could he emerge as the No. 2 receiver?

Ultimately, Rodgers is up for debate with Mahomes and Brady for the best quarterback in the NFL. His stats have always been there, and if he can pull out some tough victories, his MVP status will be hard to argue. I’m sure if you ask him though, a Super Bowl is more important.

Rodgers has made only one appearance in the big game, defeating the Steelers in 2010.

(Photo Courtesy of Stacy Revere/Getty Images)