2018 NFL MVP Futures Odds Preview
The 2018 NFL MVP futures odds are available at Bovada Sportsbook and, as usual, the quarterbacks own the top of the odds.
The favorite on the NFL MVP futures is Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at +550. The two-time NFL MVP last took home the award in 2014, and may have had a couple more MVP trophies in his collection if not for injuries shortening his season. It’s no secret the Packers live and die by Rodgers’ hand and if he can lead them to a winning season, the MVP award could easily be his again.
Including Rodgers, there are 17 quarterbacks on the odds list before a non-QB finally shows up. Sticking with the QBs for now, following Rodgers on the odds is New England Patriots’ Tom Brady at +800, Philadelphia Eagles’ Carson Wentz at +850 and New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees at +1500.
Brady, the reigning and three-time MVP winner, falls into a similar camp as Rodgers. The Patriots rely on him completely, and maybe even more now that their backup QB is Brian Hoyer. Putting up another impressive season at 41 years of age could maintain Brady’s hold on the MVP.
Injury may have denied Wentz MVP honors a season ago
Wentz was arguably headed to his first MVP award last year before a knee injury ended his season on December 10. Having Nick Foles lead the Eagles into the playoffs and an eventual Super Bowl title likely didn’t help Wentz in the MVP race. If he returns healthy and can keep the Eagles winning, he could easily get back in the race this year.
Believe it or not, Brees has never won an MVP award. That’s what happens when you play your career alongside the likes of Brady, Rodgers and Peyton Manning. The Saints are expected to be a contender this season and if Brees can put them in that position, he could have a shot at that elusive MVP trophy.
Gurley, Bell first non-QBs on MVP oddsboard
The first non-QBs to show up on the odds are Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley and Pittsburgh Steelers back Le’Veon Bell, both at +4000. That should be no surprise as QBs have won the award the last five seasons and in 10 of the last 11. The last running back to win was Adrian Peterson in 2012.
Other former MVP winners on the odds list include Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton at +2000 and Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan at +2200. The odds for a few other notables who could be value picks include Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson at +2000, San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo at +1500, Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson at +4500 and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown at +5000.