Sportsbooks try to present odds as soon as possible for anyone wanting to place a wager. That doesn’t mean that having numbers out months before the season commences is going to attract much attention. Yet, at the same time, if the shelf is empty, nobody can buy it.
Our attention is drawn to who can win the NFL MVP award. As you can see from those with the Top 5 lowest odds, we have the last two winners, Allen and Jackson, five of the previous seven, with Jackson and Mahomes winning twice. Here are the NFL MVP odds from Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review).
Top 10 of 2025
| Player | Opening Odds | Current Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson – Ravens | +450 | +500 |
| Josh Allen – Bills | +600 | +650 |
| Joe Burrow – Bengals | +750 | +600 |
| Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs | +700 | +850 |
| Jayden Daniels – Commanders | +1100 | +1000 |
As we all know, it’s almost absurd to call this an MVP – Most Valuable Player – because over the last 12 years and 16 of 17 seasons, a quarterback has taken home the hardware. Only Adrian Peterson (2012) has broken the mold.
The first non-quarterback listed is Saquon Barkley at #17, at +5000 odds, the same as Kyler Murray. (true)
The Usual Suspects
It is a given that Jackson, Allen, and Mahomes will be in the mix because all are exceptional talents who have shown they can lead their teams to 13 to 15 wins in the regular season, often in spectacular fashion.
Jackson and Allen have numerous weapons around them, and they utilize them expertly. Going into the 2025 campaign, the offensive outlooks for Baltimore and Buffalo appear the same as they have for the past few years.
Mahomes has not dropped off as much as his teammates have. The surrounding players have not played as well for Kansas City, which has placed more on Mahomes’ plate. Having an average-at-best offensive line has not made his situation easier, though he’s still taken three straight teams to the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs find answers in the offensive and last year’s injured K.C. players return to full health, Mahomes could run to the front of this line.
For wagering, while anyone would love to hit a longer shot, there is nothing wrong with placing a $100 wager and showing a profit of $500 to $750 for backing these studs.
Seeking More Possible Value for MVP Wager
Though Joe Burrow’s odds are third on the list at the sportsbooks, for many football bettors, he would be thought of as a long shot. It has nothing to do with Burrow’s talent, as, arguably, he deserved to be in the conversation last year with Allen, Jackson, and Barkley.
The problem Burrow has is that Cincinnati does not value the defensive side of the ball and is unwilling to put the money to upgrade the entire unit. That’s not to say the Bengals couldn’t put it all together as they did a few years ago and reach the Super Bowl again. What would help Burrow and his teammates is not to start 0-3 or 1-3 every year and always dig out of a hole.
In looking for possibly the best value for MVP, consider Jayden Daniels of Washington at +1100. The Commanders exploded onto the scene with their rookie quarterback and first-year head coach, Dan Campbell.
Washington was 12-5 in the regular season and played for the NFC championship. Daniels’s accuracy brought out the best in all pass catchers, and the running game was #3 in the league, adding the balance they needed. If the Commanders can improve the defense and have the D-Line show more discipline in run defense, Washington could take the next step with Daniels as their leader.
Longer Shot Pick
Having been to a pair of Super Bowls and winning one, Jalen Hurts is at +1800 and has some curb appeal. When he’s healthy, Hurts is a Top 5 QB. Yes, his throwing mechanics will get messed up from time to time, still, he has no shortage of weapons and an outstanding offensive line.
Saquon can steal the thunder from Hurts, however, chances are Barkley won’t have anywhere near the season he is in 2024. Hurts deserves consideration.
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
