With one more week of games under our belts, the potential MVP candidates are starting to become more clear. Some have out indefinitely, the Rockets might lose a game or two through his absence, and their overall nERD may drop. But one thing is certain. Harden's going to post MVP numbers. He is posting over 24 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds in 37 minutes per night. I'd look for him to improve upon those numbers with Howard out, as he's going to have to shoulder the scoring load for the time being. But, that shouldn't be a problem for him - as long as he doesn't let his other responsibilities get in the way.

This week's matchups: Knicks, Kings, Clippers, Bucks

2. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last week: Unranked

CP3 is the only unfamiliar face among our top 5 MVP candidates. He's really been playing well as of late even if the Clippers aren't having the best of starts at 7-5. His nERD of 15.4 is good enough for fifth in the league and makes up 27.3% of his team's total nERD (56.4). It seems as though he can sense Blake Griffin's struggles (-2.5 nERD) and has decided to take it upon himself to score more.

Paul is averaging 18.3 points, 9.5 helpers, and 4.5 boards per game on the season. But in his last five games, Paul has scored at least 22 points three times. Even more impressive though is Paul's efficiency in those three games. He shot 64% from the field, 69% from three, and 91% from the free throw line. His shot is on fire, and if that continues I'd look for CP to add to his nERD and his team's win total. He's one candidate to keep an eye on this week.

This week's matchups: Hornets, Pistons, Rockets, Jazz

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Last week: #1

Surprise, surprise. Anthony Davis is our leading MVP candidate, and he has been every week thus far. His nERD (25.0) and nERD share (39.2%) have done nothing but increase from a week ago. There is more than a seven-point gap between Brow's nERD score and the next closest score. And he accounts for about 12% more of his team's total nERD than the next closest candidate - Chris Paul. You'd think the Pelicans were just mediocre though. They're not.

From last week to this week, the Pelicans' nERD has increased from 58.7 to 63.8 - good enough for eighth in the league and sixth in the powerful Western Conference. Accordingly, the Pelicans are 7-5 and rank third in offensive efficiency (111.5). They've had a few tough losses, but they've also had some good wins. This past week, Davis helped lead New Orleans to a 106-100 victory over the Kings in Sacramento. Even without starting center, Omer Asik, Brow out-dueled DeMarcus Cousins with 28 points, on 11-of-19 shooting, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. I don't know about you, but I'm excited to see what the superstar can do this week.

This week's matchups: Kings, Hawks, Wizards