Max Kellerman makes his case for why Tom Brady should be disqualified from the NFL MVP race. (1:49)

The NFL MVP race is shaping up to be a fun one.

Matt Ryan has 23 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, and the Falcons are rolling. Rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have led the Cowboys to a 7-1 start. Tom Brady hasn't thrown an interception since returning from suspension, and the Patriots are the league's best team. Then there are a few dark horses who are having fantastic seasons and could jump to the top of the list.

We checked in with five NFL personnel executives to get their thoughts on which player would get their MVP vote right now and which player was most likely to take home the award by the end of the season.

The results were fascinating, and nine candidates emerged, according to the executives I polled. Here they are -- in order from most likely to win MVP to least likely -- with execs' quotes for each player: