1. QB Peyton Manning -- Broncos
Completing 32 of 43 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns in the AFC Championship Game only affirmed what we've seen from Manning all season. He had arguably the best season of any quarterback ever. He has to be No. 1 on the list. Now, will he still be the best player on the field when the wind picks up at MetLife Stadium? We'll
2. CB Richard Sherman -- Seahawks
With all due respect to Darrelle Revis and Patrick Peterson, Sherman has established himself as the most effective cornerback in the league. The 49ers rarely threw at him during the NFC Championship Game, and when they did, Sherman made them pay. Say what you wish about Sherman's bravado, but he is a building-block player -- smart, prepared and perfect for the scheme.
3. FS Earl Thomas -- Seahawks
There isn't another defensive player on either team who is more important to his coach's preferred scheme. Thomas' range allows Seattle to play all that press-man coverage on the outside. He is the new Ed Reed, but more physical. Manning has gotten away with throwing some ducks against replacement-level defenders for San Diego and New England. Some of those won't fly against Seattle, and Thomas is a big reason why.
4. RB Marshawn Lynch -- Seahawks
There isn't a more punishing runner in the game, but Lynch is also extremely elusive. Lynch looks better every time we see him. Lynch owns four of the six 100-yard rushing games against San Francisco over the past three seasons, counting playoffs. He delivers body blow after body blow and eventually takes over games. He did it against the Saints in the divisional round and changed the game with his 40-yard touchdown run against the 49ers. We could argue that Demaryius Thomas is a better player, but Lynch is so important to Seattle. He also affects the game more frequently through the number of touches he gets. Seattle might be lost without him.
5. WR Demaryius Thomas -- Broncos
Thomas was a project coming out of Georgia Tech, where they didn't really throw the ball. Tim Tebow was waiting for him when Thomas got to the Broncos. That made the transition more difficult, but Thomas has hit his stride. Manning has helped him tremendously, but we cannot say Thomas is just a product of his quarterback. He is a top-10 receiver and maybe top-five. He would be good for any team.
