The race for this year’s NFL’s MVP award is a crowded group.

As always there are quarterbacks that usually carry the load of the candidacy, but in 2016 there’s more variation attempting to crash the party. From a rookie running back to an aging veteran still playing at a highest level, the most valuable player award will be a highly contested battle. Here’s a look at the four players who are leading the race.

1. Ezekiel Elliott

Season Stats: 1102 yards, 4.9 yards per carry, 10 Touchdowns (TDs)

Assuming he stays healthy, the Dallas Cowboy running back will win Rookie of the year, but it’s time for Elliot to start thinking bigger. The former Ohio State player has helped the Cowboys start 9-1 and with 1102 yards in 10 games, he is within striking distance of the rookie rushing record set by Erik Dickerson in 1983. Elliot faces an uphill battle in trying to win an award that only one rookie, Jim Brown in 1957, has ever won.

2. Tom Brady

Season Stats: 123.3 Quarterback (QB) Rating, 16 TDs, one Interception (INT), 70.4%, 319.2 yards/game

Since returning from his four game suspension, Brady has put up monster numbers and is on route to a third MVP if he continues to play at such a high level. The 39-year-old has lead the league in almost every statistical category since Week 5. However, the question remains whether or not voters will cast their ballot for a player who at most can play 12 games this season.

3. Matt Ryan

Season Stats: 115.1 QB Rating, 24 TDs, five INT, 68.2%, 324.7 yards/game

After a disastrous end to last season, which concluded in the Atlanta Falcons losing 8 of 11 games, both the team and Ryan have rebounded in 2016. “Matty Ice” leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns and would be a front runner for the award should his team team finish atop the NFC South.

4. Derek Carr

Season Stats: 100.6 QB Rating, 20 TDs, four INT 66.2%, 280.0 yards/game

The QB has guided his team to a AFC best 8-2 record and hopes to lead the Raiders into the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Carr is accomplishing all this while playing for a team with one of the worst defenses in the league. The Fresno State product has made huge strides midway through his third season and is quickly becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

So who do you think will land the title MVP this season? Anyone not listed? Tell us who you think is most deserving and why in a comment below.