Luck and RJG3 could be one hit wonders for all we know. They have entire careers to prove themselves and contend for MVP. RoY contention is enough.
However in Luck's case I would concede if he is able to sweep the Texans and win the division. And if he were to face Denver in the playoffs and win the media cumguzzling would be MVP level so there's that.
Manning came back from a much deeper hole and scarier injury than AP.Comebackplayer.
AP means more to his team than any other single player does to another team.Most valuableplayer.
Including Manning because yes, they had a solid line, good run game and good with potential for great D, in a shit division, with one of the strongest home field advantages. That's why Peyton went there. He's not carrying a shit pile on his back like AP.
I think Brady probably gets the popular edge over AP though because he's Brady and a QB. Not that he doesn't deserve MVP, as much as I hate to admit it. Among the list of elite QB's going into the season, only Peyton and Brady have fully lived up to the hype. As good as Manning is I just don't see him being as integral to the Bronco's chances as Brady is to the Pats. Manning could be the difference for them advancing deeper, but they probably could have won that division with a number of different QB's.