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It's the offseason, but we're not that far removed from the 2014 NFL season. We know this because our good friends at Bovada.lv released 2014 NFL MVP odds on Tuesday.
The usual suspects (read: quarterbacks) are up top, but we spotted some interesting numbers among some of the names released.
Peyton Manning (3-1) -- to the surprise of exactly zero people -- is the top favorite. I don't love the bet because voters in general hate repeating on MVP awards and it'll be tough for Manning to match his epic 2013 numbers.
Aaron Rodgers (15-2) is a fantastic value. He's the best quarterback in the game, has won an MVP, and if he plays 16 games, he'll get votes. If you put $100 on him to win right now and he did, you'd make $750 back.
Andrew Luck (16-1) is intruiging as well, especially because his weapons in Indy are improved and he should only get better in his third season.
It's hard to imagine a wide receiver winning the MVP award since, you know, it's never happened. But I'd rather wager on Calvin Johnson (25-1) than Matthew Stafford (20-1). Because of Alshon Jeffery, I'm less inclined to lean towards Brandon Marshall (66-1) over Jay Cutler (20-1) but the odds are certainly much better.
Love Russell Wilson/Cam Newton/Colin Kaepernick/Robert Griffin III (25-1) all clustered together. Give me Wilson from that list, mainly because he should improve his counting stats, he's very efficient and steady, the Seahawks will win lots of games and if Marshawn Lynch (50-1) either retires or loses carries, Russ could see a boost. Surprised Percy Harvin (N/A) isn't on this list.
Speaking of not on the list, the Jets, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Titans, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams and Cardinals aren't represented by anyone. Ryan Tannehill could be a massive darkhorse. And if Chris Johnson wasn't CJ?K he'd be worthy of the list. (We're talking real long shot odds here. Don't nitpick with me.)
It's lunacy to have Ben Roethlisberger/Eli Manning/Philip Rivers (50-1) below Nick Foles (40-1). Ben and Rivers are a pair of guys I'd be very interested in throwing coin on. Either is capable of winning and is really good value right now.
Matt Ryan (33-1) is great value too. The Falcons defense probably isn't going to be great this year but with the offensive line improved and with Julio Jones/Roddy White hopefully healthy, Ryan could post massive numbers. Win 10-plus games and he's in the conversation.
Johnny Manziel (100-1) has the same odds as Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton! The ultimate AFC North slap in the face.
If Rob Gronkowski (100-1) could make it through the season, he'd be a real interesting bet, although it's more than likely Tom Brady (9-1) would get a lot of the credit. Jimmy Graham (66-1) isn't half bad either, but the same applies for Drew Brees (11-2).
Wide receivers and tight ends don't win the award because, by and large, when they have a massive season, so to does the quarterback throwing to them. Said quarterback will usually be spreading the ball around as well, which means more credit to the signal caller.
If you're actually going to bet on the 2014 NFL MVP award in July, I recommend picking out a few quarterbacks with longer odds and spreading it around. Take $50 and put $10 each on Rodgers, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Luck and Brady and I like your chance of winning money.
| 2014 NFL MVP Odds (courtesy of Bovada) | |||
| Player | Pos. | Team | Odds |
| Peyton Manning | QB | Broncos | 3-1 |
| Drew Brees | QB | Saints | 11-2 |
| Aaron Rodgers | QB | Packers | 15-2 |
| Tom Brady | QB | Patriots | 9-1 |
| Andrew Luck | QB | Colts | 16-1 |
| Jay Cutler | QB | Bears | 20-1 |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | Lions | 20-1 |
| Cam Newton | QB | Panthers | 25-1 |
| Colin Kaepernick | QB | 49ers | 25-1 |
| Russell Wilson | QB | Seahawks | 25-1 |
| Robert Griffin III | QB | Redskins | 25-1 |
| LeSean McCoy | RB | Eagles | 25-1 |
| Adrian Peterson | RB | Vikings | 25-1 |
| Calvin Johnson | WR | Lions | 25-1 |
| Matt Ryan | QB | Falcons | 33-1 |
| Nick Foles | QB | Eagles | 40-1 |
| Ben Roethlisberger | QB | Steelers | 50-1 |
| Eli Manning | QB | Giants | 50-1 |
| Philip Rivers | QB | Chargers | 50-1 |
| Tony Romo | QB | Cowboys | 50-1 |
| Marshawn Lynch | RB | Seahawks | 50-1 |
| Demaryius Thomas | WR | Broncos | 66-1 |
| Matt Forte | RB | Bears | 66-1 |
| Jamaal Charles | RB | Chiefs | 66-1 |
| Dez Bryant | WR | Cowboys | 66-1 |
| Brandon Marshall | WR | Bears | 66-1 |
| Julio Jones | WR | Falcons | 66-1 |
| Jimmy Graham | TE | Saints | 66-1 |
| Joe Flacco | QB | Ravens | 100-1 |
| Johnny Manziel | QB | Browns | 100-1 |
| Andy Dalton | QB | Bengals | 100-1 |
| Eddie Lacy | RB | Packers | 100-1 |
| Arian Foster | RB | Texans | 100-1 |
| Rob Gronkowski | TE | Patriots | 100-1 |
| Alex Smith | QB | Chiefs | 150-1 |
| Alfred Morris | RB | Redskins | 150-1 |
| C.J. Spiller | RB | Bills | 150-1 |
| Antonio Brown | WR | Steelers | 150-1 |
| DeMarco Murray | RB | Cowboys | 200-1 |
| Frank Gore | RB | 49ers | 200-1 |
