NFL MVP Odds: Expert Picks and Top Contenders

11 min read
Jul 29, 2024, 8:37 AM
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024, 1:46 PM

Understanding NFL MVP Odds

The NFL MVP award, given to the most valuable player during the regular season, is one of the most prestigious accolades in the National Football League. Betting on NFL MVP odds involves predicting which player will be honored as the league's most valuable player. The odds to win are determined by various factors, including player performance, team success, and historical trends.

Remember
Betting on these odds is about understanding the broader context of player performance and team dynamics throughout the season.

NFL MVP History and Trends

The history of the NFL MVP winners provides valuable insights into what it takes to win. Historically, quarterbacks have dominated the award, with notable winners like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes. Defensive players and non-QBs have a tougher path to the most valuable player, although legends like LT and Page have managed to secure the honor.

Quarterbacks have won the NFL MVP award 42 times since 1961, highlighting their pivotal role in the league.

Notable Past MVP Winners

  • Brett Favre: Favre won three consecutive times in the 1990s for the Packers, showcasing his consistency and dominance.
  • Aaron Rodgers: The Green Bay Packers quarterback has multiple awards, with his most recent in 2020.
  • Adrian Peterson: The Minnesota Vikings running back won in 2012, one of the rare non-QB winners.
  • Lawrence Taylor: The New York Giants linebacker was a dominant defensive player who won in 1986.

Top Contenders for 2024-25 NFL MVP

Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is a perennial favorite in the race. His consistent performance and ability to lead the Chiefs, almost like a coach, to winning seasons make him a strong contender year after year.

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Josh Allen has rapidly become one of the top QBs in the league. His dual-threat capability and leadership of the Buffalo Bills put him in a prime position to win MVP.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

Lamar Jackson, the 2019 winner, remains a top contender with his electrifying playstyle. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground keeps him in the conversation.

Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions)

Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, won the Rookie of the Year award in 1989 and went on to win NFL MVP in 1997.

Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)

Aaron Rodgers, despite his age, continues to perform at an elite level. His deep understanding of the game and precision passing make him a perennial MVP candidate.

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

Justin Herbert's impressive start to his career with the Los Angeles Chargers has put him on the radar for future MVP awards. His arm strength and decision-making skills are his standout traits.

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Joe Burrow has shown tremendous potential with the Cincinnati Bengals. Leading his team to the playoffs has bolstered his credentials as a serious contender.

Dark Horse Candidates

While QBs typically dominate the race, other positions should not be overlooked. Players like Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans) and Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins) can also make a strong case if they have standout seasons.

QBs often dominate the race, but standout performances from other positions can also sway the odds.

Betting on NFL MVP Odds

Betting on NFL MVP odds involves placing a futures wager on who will win the MVP. This type of wager is typically made before the season starts, but betting options are available throughout the season as well.

How to Bet on NFL MVP Odds

  • Choose a Sportsbook: Select a legal and regulated sportsbook that offers these odds. It is always recommended to do a sportsbook comparison to get the best odds.
  • Understand the Odds: Familiarize yourself with the moneyline odds for each player. For example, if Patrick Mahomes has odds of +500, a $100 bet would win $500 if he wins.
  • Place Your Bet: Decide how much you want to wager and place your bet through the sportsbook platform.
  • Monitor Player Performance: Keep an eye on how players perform throughout the season, especially Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football spotlights to understand how their odds might shift.

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Placing a futures bet on NFL MVP odds requires a blend of research and timing to maximize potential returns.

Factors to Consider

  • Player Performance: Look at stats such as passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage for QBs, or rushing yards and touchdowns for running backs.
  • Team Success: Players from winning teams are more likely to be considered.
  • Injury History: A player’s injury history can significantly impact their chances of winning.
  • Strength of Schedule: Consider how tough the team's schedule is, as consistent performance against strong opponents can boost a player's chances.

NFL MVP Award Insights

The NFL MVP award is voted on by a panel of 50 sportswriters at the end of the regular season. The award has evolved over the years, reflecting changes in the league and its players.

Current Trends

  • Quarterbacks: With the league's emphasis on passing, QBs continue to dominate MVP voting.
  • Dual-Threat Players: Players who can impact the game in multiple ways, like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, have become increasingly popular candidates.

Expert Picks and Predictions

  • Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Patrick Mahomes remains a top pick due to his exceptional skills and leadership. The Chiefs' consistent performance in the regular season further solidifies his candidacy.
  • Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Josh Allen’s versatility and the Bills' strong playoff potential make him a strong contender. His ability to accumulate impressive stats both passing and rushing boosts his MVP odds.
  • Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Lamar Jackson’s unique playstyle and previous MVP win keep him in the conversation. If he can lead the Ravens to a successful season, his chances are high.

Dark Horses

  • CJ Stroud (Texans): A strong arm, accuracy, and poise under pressure. Stroud has quickly made a name for himself with impressive performances and leadership on the field.
  • Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): A strong season with playoff success could see Burrow emerge as a serious MVP candidate.

Defensive Players

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While it's rare, defensive players like T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers) or Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams) could be considered if they have standout seasons.

NFL MVP Insights and Team Highlights

  • Indianapolis Colts: The Indianapolis Colts have seen a mix of success and rebuilding phases. Although not currently having a top NFL MVP contender, they have a promising QB in development. The Colts' history includes strong MVP performances, notably from Peyton Manning.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: The Philadelphia Eagles are consistently strong contenders in the National Football League (NFL). With a well-rounded team and a history of competitive play, they always have players in the MVP conversation.
  • Cleveland Browns: The Cleveland Browns have shown significant improvement in recent years. With a focus on developing a strong QB and a robust roster, they are becoming a formidable team in the NFL. The Browns' strategic moves in the draft and free agency have bolstered their chances of future MVP candidates.
  • Miami Dolphins: The Miami Dolphins are another team with potential MVP candidates. Their current QB has shown promise, and the team's overall performance is on an upward trajectory. The Dolphins' ability to perform under pressure makes them a team to watch.
  • Houston Texans: The Texans are in a rebuilding phase but have the potential to surprise as an underdog. With new leadership and strategic player acquisitions, the Texans aim to rise in the standings and develop future MVP talent.
  • New Orleans Saints: The New Orleans Saints consistently field strong teams with potential MVP candidates. Known for their dynamic offense and strategic play, the Saints remain competitive in the NFL. Their performance in upcoming games will be crucial for any MVP aspirations.

Betting Insights

  • Most Popular Betting Odds on the NFL MVP: NFL MVP betting remains one of the most popular betting markets. Futures odds for MVP candidates like Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson attract significant attention.
  • Futures Odds: Futures odds provide a way to bet on long-term outcomes. Bettors can place wagers on who will win the NFL MVP well before the season starts, taking advantage of early odds that might offer better value.
  • Bonus Bets: All NFL sportsbooks offer bonus bets and promotions for wagering on the NFL MVP. These bonuses can provide additional value but should be used responsibly to avoid problem gambling.

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

Experience:

  • Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
  • Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
  • Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

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