The National Football League’s Most Valuable Player Award is one of the most sought-after accomplishments in sports. The greatest to ever play the game have won the award and several have won it multiple times.
While quarterbacks have predominantly won the award in the 21st century, others have still emerged. Marshall Faulk, LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, and Shaun Alexander are four outstanding running backs who have won the award, too. A running back hasn’t won since Peterson in 2012.
This year’s field is quickly emerging. Several of the NFL’s biggest superstars have played the part. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson have all looked impressive specifically. Jackson and Mahomes have both won the NFL MVP award before, while Allen’s trophy case is stil empty.
Beyond that trio though, several candidates could win the award. These players might be flying under that radar, but you shouldn’t ignore them when considering a futures bet on the NFL MVP award with established NFL betting sites.
Brock Purdy +1600
The San Francisco 49ers are banged up, but that may only improve the narrative for quarterback Brock Purdy if the team succeeds. Purdy’s 49ers have detail with the injury bug, mostly hampering star running back Christian McCaffrey. He’s looked sharp as a tack however still and the 2-2 49ers still have an optimistic road ahead. While McCaffrey may be out, running back Jordan Mason has filled in well. Purdy has also been dynamic himself and has played better than last year. If the 49ers win, he’ll get all the love, which is something you should pay attention to.
Jared Goff +2000
The Detroit Lions will likely contend for the NFC North Division crown again this year. While the Minnesota Vikings are out to a hot start, the Lions are still the king of the mountain. Quarterback Jared Goff has gotten off to an alright start, but he could still see improvements. He won’t play outside much this season, as the Lions play indoors for a majority of their 2024 schedule. With no potential effects, Goff could sling it, and if the Lions win the North again, Goff could be an MVP candidate.
Jayden Daniels +2500
So, it’s a lot to expect out of a rookie, right? But Jayden Daniels hasn’t looked like an ordinary rookie at all. Daniels has played brilliantly and has the Washington Commanders as the class of the NFC East through the first month of the season. Nobody expected that, and it all traces back to Daniels and how he’s played. That could run out of steam, but let’s say it doesn’t right? The Commanders look great in an NFC East that’s ripe for the taking. Daniels will get a lot of love for Offensive Rookie of the Year should that happen, but don’t rule out an MVP run.
Kirk Cousins +5000
Kirk Cousins threw 500 yards in an overtime victory for his Atlanta Falcons. In an NFL where passing hasn’t gotten off to a great start, that kind of night is one that makes your head turn. Cousins has the Falcons looking good so far. Despite doubts in the offseason, he’s got them humming. If Cousins puts up gaudy numbers and leads the Falcons to the playoffs, don’t rule it out. If passing continues to go as it is, he’ll look that much more outstanding. At that point, you might have to hand it to him.
Derrick Henry +10000
No running back has won the MVP award since 2012, but Derrick Henry could be the guy to do it. Henry’s already shown that he’s unlike anybody else. He has a 2,000-yard season to hi snake. He’s led the NFL in rushing twice and currently leads the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns with 480 and five. If he continues to be that outstanding, and if the Ravens keep succeeding? He’s got as good a chance as any to make a run at it. He’s already developed a reliable reputation. If he succeeds like this again with a new team, he’ll boost his own case.
