2014 NFL MVP Odds

2014 NFL MVP Odds

We’re now three weeks into the NFL season and, although Peyton Manning remains the favorite to repeat as MVP, there’s been a great deal of shake up. Adrian Peterson, who opened the year at +3000 to win the MVP, was removed as an option for bettors. Likewise for Ray Rice (+30,000), Robert Griffin (+3000) and Jamaal Charles (+6600).

On the other hand, a few players have emerged from relative obscurity to become legitimate MVP candidates. Following a woeful 2013 campaign Matt Ryan opened the season at +5000 to win this prestigious award. However, after throwing for 965 yards and 7 touchdowns in his first three games, Ryan has soared to the fifth best MVP odds at +1400.

Peyton Manning, who passed for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns en route to his fifth career MVP award last season, opened as a +350 favorite to repeat. Although the Broncos lost to the Seahawks in their Week 3 Super Bowl rematch, Manning has looked spectacular once again and has crept ever so slightly to +300.

It’s interesting to note that since the award was first handed out in 1957, more quarterbacks have won this award (37) than all other positions combined (21). Included in those other winners are 18 running backs, 1 defensive tackle (Alan Page in 1971), one place kicker (Mark Moseley in 1982) and one linebacker (Lawrence Taylor in 1986).

As hard as it is to believe, no wide receiver or tight end has ever been named MVP. Although Jerry Rice was named the MVP by the Pro Football Writers Association in 1987, he lost out to John Elway in the Associated Press vote. Considering no receivers have ever won the award, it’s interesting to see both Calvin Johnson (+2500) and Julio Jones (+4000) listed at top candidates.

The table below displays the current odds to win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award at Sportsbook.com, BetOnline and the Greek and will be continually updated throughout the season.

Right now BetOnline is the only prominent sportsbook offering updated MVP futures and perhaps the most interesting player listed is Chargers QB Philip Rivers. Although Sportsbook.com listed the veteran signal caller at +10000 to win the MVP before the season, BetOnline did not offer odds at that time. However, after a 2-1 start (including an upset of the defending champion Seahawks) Rivers is currently tied with Patriots QB Tom Brady and Colts QB Andrew Luck for the 6th best odds at +1600.

Who do you like to win the award? Will Manning be able to repeat as MVP? Are any long shots being undervalued? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

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