Measuring the MVP

This year's NFL MVP race likely will come down to the old (Drew Brees) vs. the new (Patrick Mahomes). Brees turns 40 on Jan. 15. Mahomes is 23. The past five MVP winners have gone to quarterbacks. Tom Brady was 40 when he won. Peyton Manning was 37, followed by Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers (31); and Cam Newton (26).

Here is a look at Brees' and Mahomes' passing stats through 15 games and the stats of the past five MVP winners:

PlayerAtt-CompPct.Yds.YPATD-INTRat.

Drew Brees364-48974.43,9928.232-5115.7

Patrick Mahomes369-55666.44,8168.748-11114.0

Past five MVP winners

PlayerAtt-CompPct.Yds.YPATD-INTRat.

Tom Brady385-58166.34,5777.932-8 102.8

Matt Ryan373-53469.94,9449.338-7117.1

Cam Newton296-49559.83,8377.835-1099.4

Aaron Rodgers341-52065.6 4,3818.438-5112.2

Peyton Manning450-65968.35,477 8.355-10115.1

MARK CRAIG