The NFL MVP race for the 2024-25 season is heating up, and with the odds fluctuating week by week, it’s a great time to dive into the top contenders. The coveted MVP award typically goes to quarterbacks, and this year is no different. The league is filled with elite talent, but only one player will take home the prestigious MVP trophy. In this article, we’ll explore the top candidates, analyze their chances, and make predictions for the upcoming season. Let’s get started!

Current NFL MVP Betting Odds

Here are the latest MVP odds according to Bovada:

Patrick Mahomes (KC) +350

Lamar Jackson (BAL) +450

Josh Allen (BUF) +600

C.J. Stroud (HOU) +700

Jayden Daniels (WSH) +1200

Brock Purdy (SF) +1400

Joe Burrow (CIN) +1600

Sam Darnold (MIN) +1800

Jared Goff (DET) +2000

Jordan Love (GB) +2500

As the season progresses, these odds are likely to change. Currently, Patrick Mahomes leads the pack, but there are several other quarterbacks not far behind who could emerge as serious contenders. Let’s take a look at the top favorites.

MVP Favorites for 2024-25

Patrick Mahomes (+350)

It’s no surprise that Patrick Mahomes is once again at the top of the list for MVP candidates. As the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has proven time and time again that he is one of the most talented players in the NFL. With a Super Bowl title under his belt and a massive contract to back up his skills, Mahomes is always a favorite for the MVP award.

Through the first five weeks of the season, Mahomes has put up impressive stats, including 1,235 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. However, his MVP performance hasn’t quite hit its peak yet. While he remains the favorite, some bettors may hesitate to back him at +350 odds, especially considering the challenges Kansas City has faced with injuries to key players like Isiah Pacheco, Marquise Brown, and Rashee Rice.

Still, Mahomes is the kind of quarterback who can turn things around quickly. He has the talent, the experience, and the determination to lead his team to victory. Don’t be surprised if Mahomes wins his second MVP award, but at the moment, his odds may not offer the best value.

Lamar Jackson (+450)

Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, has quickly risen in the MVP odds thanks to a string of impressive performances. After starting the season as a longshot at +2800, Jackson’s odds have surged to +450 following a dominant showing in Week 5. In a thrilling overtime win against the Bengals, Jackson passed for 348 yards and four touchdowns while adding 55 rushing yards on the ground.

Jackson has always been known for his dual-threat ability, and this season is no different. Through six weeks, Jackson has thrown for 1,529 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only two interceptions while also rushing for 403 yards and two scores. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

One factor working in Jackson’s favor is the addition of running back Derrick Henry to the Ravens’ offense. Henry’s presence takes some pressure off Jackson and allows the Ravens to run more effective play-action plays. With the Ravens’ defense struggling, Jackson will need to continue putting up big numbers if his team is going to remain competitive. He’s a solid bet at +450, and if he keeps playing at this level, he could easily win his second MVP award.

Josh Allen (+600)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been a top contender for MVP honors over the past few seasons, and 2024-25 is no exception. Allen has been putting up strong numbers so far, with 1,160 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and no interceptions through Week 6. His ability to avoid turnovers has been a key factor in his success, and he’s the only MVP candidate who has yet to throw an interception this season.

In addition to his passing stats, Allen has also rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as a quarterback. However, one concern for Allen’s MVP campaign is the performance of the Bills as a whole. While Allen’s individual stats are impressive, the Bills are not viewed as highly by oddsmakers as the Ravens or Chiefs. They currently have the fifth-best odds to win the Super Bowl, which could hurt Allen’s chances of winning MVP.

Despite this, Allen remains one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and at +600, he offers decent value for bettors looking to back a player who can do it all on the field.

Sleeper Candidates for MVP

While the favorites are certainly worth considering, there are a few sleepers who could surprise everyone and take home the MVP trophy. Here are a couple of longshots to keep an eye on.

Baker Mayfield (+3300)

Baker Mayfield has been up and down throughout his NFL career, but he’s having a strong season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Currently sitting at +3300 odds, Mayfield is a longshot to win MVP, but his recent performances suggest that he could be worth a flyer for bettors looking for big potential payouts.

In Week 5, Mayfield threw for three touchdowns in a tough loss to the Falcons, but he bounced back in Week 6 with a dominant performance against the New Orleans Saints. Mayfield threw for four touchdowns and 325 yards in a resounding 51-27 victory.

If the Buccaneers can continue to play well and make a run for the NFC South title, Mayfield’s MVP odds could improve. At +3300, he’s a riskier bet, but one that could pay off if Tampa Bay stays hot.

Kyler Murray (+4000)

Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals has been a polarizing figure in the NFL, but he seems to have found his groove this season. After leading the Cardinals to a thrilling upset win over the San Francisco 49ers, Murray’s MVP odds are at +4000. While it’s a longshot, Murray has the talent to make a deep run for the award if he can find consistency.

In addition to his passing ability, Murray’s rushing stats are solid, with 261 yards and a touchdown on the ground so far. The Cardinals have been inconsistent, but if they can string together some wins, Murray could find himself in the MVP conversation come December.

Prediction: Who Will Win NFL MVP?

While Patrick Mahomes is the favorite, the best value bet for NFL MVP is Lamar Jackson at +450. Jackson’s dual-threat ability, combined with the Ravens’ reliance on him to carry the team, makes him the most likely candidate to win the award. With Derrick Henry in the backfield, Jackson will continue to put up big numbers and lead the Ravens to success.

Ultimately, it will be a tight race between Jackson, Mahomes, and Allen, but Jackson’s combination of passing and rushing stats gives him the edge. Expect Jackson to finish the season as the 2024-25 NFL MVP.