2015 NFL MVP Odds
Week 3 of the NFL preseason is considered to be the unofficial “dress rehearsal” for the real games that begin in September. Starters generally play a half, and players are normally a little bit more pumped to suit up for an otherwise pointless game. All this means is that the regular season is just around the corner, which is a good thing. The number of injuries this August probably isn’t any more widespread than any other summer, but they sure seem to be. Jordy Nelson and Kelvin Benjamin weren’t MVP candidates themselves, but their season-ending injuries will impact the chances of their quarterbacks winning the award. Here are the odds for the 2015 NFL MVP.
Andrew Luck +300 – Logical choice. Luck’s receiving options include T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson, Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, Phillip Dorsett, and Donte Moncrief. Toss in Frank Gore and Dan Herron, and the Colts are loaded at the skill positions. 5000 yards and 35-40 touchdowns should be more than enough to take home the prize.
Aaron Rodgers +400 – The pundits are downplaying the loss of Nelson. That’s a mistake. Nelson was Green Bay’s field stretcher, and one of the league’s best. His ability to make plays over the top opened up lanes underneath. Davante Adams is not a speed guy and neither is rookie Ty Montgomery. Maybe Jeff Janis can fill the role. If not, expect Rodgers’ numbers to be down from previous seasons.
Adrian Peterson +1200 – Interesting third choice in the race. Peterson benefited from a year off of not being hit, but it’s fair to wonder how his off the field issues drained his passion to compete. If he’s as motivated as he was entering the 2012 season, then a huge campaign is forthcoming. However, if he starts to feel the wear and tear that 30-year-old runners often feel, disappointment is on the horizon.
Peyton Manning +1600 – All signs point toward a decline for Peyton. Head coach Gary Kubiak plans to pound the ball a lot more with a three-headed backfield. Manning’s age and struggles down the stretch of 2014 are also contributing to the negative vibes. 4500 yards and 30-35 touchdowns is stellar for most signal-callers, just not Manning.
J.J. Watt +2000 – Watt is a rare beast, but it’s still odd to see a defensive player among the top five candidates. That being said, the Texans’ end has racked 57 sacks, 295 tackles, and 37 passes defended in just four professional years. Richard Sherman has 65 passes defended during the same duration, which tells everyone not in the know that the 6’5″ 290 lb Watt is a one-of-a-kind athlete.
Brees, Romo, Wilson +2500 – A trio of quarterbacks with solid track records. Wilson gains Jimmy Graham, Romo gets a financially “happy” Dez Bryant, and Brees has a healthy Brandin Cooks back. All three will have to post sensational stats to supplant any of the five guys ahead of them.
DeMarco Murray and Sam Bradford +3300 – Both should benefit from being featured in the amusement park that is Chip Kelly’s offense. That is if both can stay healthy, which is a huge IF. Murray won’t receive the workload he did in Dallas, and Bradford hasn’t started a meaningful game since October of 2013. Each is intriguing, but also extremely risky.
