The NFL MVP race and betting on who will win the award is always a hot topic. Bettors are always looking for the dark horse candidates that can bring huge returns on their investments. Here is a list of the dark horse candidates that offer great odds at this time:
Currently, the following players are listed with the top odds to win the NFL MVP:
- Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
- Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
- Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson
- Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady
It should be noted that no player has won back-to-back MVP awards since Peyton Manning in 2008 and 2009.
Honorable mentions: Christian McCaffrey +4000, Ezekiel Elliot +5000, Drew Lock +12500
5. New England Patriots QB Cam Newton (+6600)
Newton will be taking the reigns from Tom Brady in New England this year. If healthy, he has the potential to be a very dangerous weapon in Bill Belichick’s offense. Newton will provide the Patriots with a totally different look in comparison to Brady. His style of play, mixed with Josh McDaniels’ creative offensive, could be a force in the AFC East. At +6600 to win the award, it offers huge returns for the former MVP winner.
4. Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield (+5000)
Prior to the 2019 season, Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns were being picked everywhere to represent the AFC North. One year later, and the season was a complete disaster. The Browns finished 6-10 last season, as Baker Mayfield couldn’t reach expectations. As a result, the team let go of a majority of the coaching staff. This season brings a new staff and hope to Cleveland. Mayfield still has weapons in Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. In addition, the team signed tight end Austin Hooper to add to their offense. It will be a make-or-break year for Mayfield, and with lower expectations, it is set up for him to thrive.
3. Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (+4000)
Buffalo has a popular dark horse candidate in Josh Allen. Their young franchise quarterback is expected by most to take over the spot as the best quarterback in the AFC East. The Bills added Stefon Diggs to give Allen the big play target he lacked. Allen, 24, is expected to have a breakout season.
2. Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (+3300)
When looking at MVP candidates, it is never a bad idea to glance at players that have won the award in the past. The 2016 MVP winner Matt Ryan has consistently put up MVP numbers over his career. He has thrown for 4,000+ yards in nine consecutive seasons, along with 20+ touchdowns during the same span. His team has a tough task at competing in a difficult NFC South, playing against the likes of Drew Brees and Tom Brady twice a year. He still is equipped with arguably one of the three best wide receivers in the game in Julio Jones. If the Falcons somehow win nine or more games this season, it will be because Ryan had an MVP-caliber season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz (+2500)
Wentz is a majorly debated quarterback in NFL circles. Whether it is his injury history, his lack of weapons last season, or the comparison to Nick Foles, no one seems to be able to agree on what kind of quarterback he is. Prior to his 2017 season-ending injury, there is little doubt that Wentz was well on his way to winning the MVP award. The 2020 season saw the Eagles start the season with the most weapons on offense since 2017. At +2500 odds, Wentz is a great option to place a bet on. If he duplicates his 2017 numbers over a full season, he will be in the running for the award again.
You can hear topics just like this discussed on the All About The Birds podcast.
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