Fox: Obstacles as much as statistics make Manning his Most Valuable Player

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gets a high five from Denver Broncos center Dan Koppen (67) after Manning threw a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2012, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks on as head coach John Fox celebrates during an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers in Denver. The Broncos have reeled off nine consecutive wins after a 2-3 start. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File) (The Associated Press)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Rarely one to talk publicly about the big picture or much beyond winning the next game, Denver coach John Fox weighed in on the interesting race for Most Valuable Player.

That race could come down to Peyton Manning of the Broncos vs. old rival Tom Brady of the Patriots and Adrian Peterson of the Vikings.

"Obviously, I'm going to be a little biased," Fox said Monday.

His vote, of course, would go to Manning, not so much, Fox says, for the numbers he's put up as for the obstacles the quarterback has overcome — namely, a season off, four neck surgeries and the task of becoming Broncos quarterback after spending his entire career with the Colts.

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Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL