It's now 2015. While some things have stayed the same throughout 2014, others have really changed for some of us. And the NBA's no different. While last MVP update. However, the race is beginning to tighten, and we're starting to see some players on the rise while others remain steady. For some, steady isn't a bad thing. For others, it might be. I'll tell you why.

And I'm going to do that by breaking down the top MVP candidates from five to one based on our metrics. For those of you unfamiliar with max money when it comes time for him to hit the open market. After all, Butler is the MVP of his team as he has accounted for 27.0% of his team's total nERD.

Upcoming matchups: Jazz, Wizards, Bucks

2. Anthony Davis

Previous ranking: #1

And here is the BIG shakeup in this week's rankings. Both ways.

He is the heart and soul of the Houston Rockets and their success so far this season. His nERD makes up 31.6% of Houston's team nERD (61.1). That's nearly 10% less than Davis, but the Rockets have a 95.3% chance to make the postseason. Plus, Harden has Dwight Howard on his team to help out. Or does he? Howard has missed 12 games so far this year and hasn't played too well as of late. In his last five, he's only managed to play 29 minutes per game, scoring at least 13 points only once. A lot has been on the Beard. He not only scores but dishes out 6.5 assists, grabs nearly 6 boards and tallies just under 2 steals per game as well. Houston, no problems here.

Upcoming matchups: Cavaliers, Knicks, Jazz