The Super Bowl might be over, but the NFL betting markets never sleep. DraftKings Sportsbook has already put out their MVP odds for next season.
The usual suspects sit atop of the oddsboard, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who comes in as the leader at +500. Unless he misses some early action due to his toe surgery, I don’t see how anyone else will be the favorite to start the season.
Aaron Rodgers has the second shortest odds (+800) in 2021. There are some rumblings about him moving on from Green Bay, but no matter where he plays, the 2020 MVP winner will always be in the conversation.
The big two are followed by the trio of Josh Allen (+1300), Russell Wilson (+1300), and the new Los Angeles Rams QB, Matthew Stafford (+1500)
This year’s Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady, sits at +1600.
As expected, the first twelve players listed are all quarterbacks. Why? This is the eighth straight year that a QB was named MVP, and the 13th time in the past 14 seasons. The last non-quarterback in that stretch was Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who won the award in 2012.
Speaking of running backs, two of the best in football make their appearance in Derrick Henry (+3300) and Christian McCaffrey (+3300). Those are the shortest odds for any non-quarterback to win the award.
The first wide receiver to show up on the list is DeAndre Hopkins, who comes in at +10000. As for defensive players, there are none currently listed. Sorry Aaron Donald.
Here is a list of players with odds +10000 or shorter:
Here’s one guy I am going to throw some pizza money on early given his talent and potential situation.
Deshaun Watson +1700
If the Houston Texans finally give in and trade Watson, the Miami Dolphins are one of the odds on favorites to land him. If he goes to Miami, lookout, as that team is built to win now with a good defense and a solid head coach. Miami went 10-6 with the combination of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa last season. Watson would be a huge upgrade over both for that offense.
With Watson, the Dolphins should be able to contend for the division alongside the Buffalo Bills. Especially with the New York Jets still in rebuild mode and the New England Patriots trying to figure out their quarterback situation.
If Watson ends up in Miami or San Francisco, he'll be right in the mix to win MVP and these odds will shorten.