2021 NFL MVP: 2 Players to Bet Now

A look at the favorite, value and a longshot bet to win the award

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With the NFL Draft in our rearview, it's time to start looking ahead to the upcoming season. The NFL Most Valuable Player award odds have already hit the market at DraftKings Sportsbook, so let's dig in.

Here's a look at the odds, and a couple of quarterbacks worth betting on now.

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Favorite: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+500)

I'll save everyone's time here because there aren't enough words of praise I can write about Mahomes that haven't already been written. He's the best in the game, so there's a reason he's the clear-cut favorite.

Last year, he finished with a 66.3% completion percentage, threw for 4,740 yards, 38 touchdowns, only 6 interceptions, with a passer rating of 108.2.

After that Super Bowl drubbing Kansas City took at the hands of the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Chiefs decided to strengthen their offensive line in the offseason. Couple that with the fact that KC has their core offensive weapons coming back, Mahomes will be in the mix for the award by season's end. Excluding injury, of course.

While I love the former MVP, I'm personally staying away from the chalk here. 5-1 is too short for my liking.

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Value: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (+2000)

Absolutely love these odds on Herbert to win MVP. He comes in 8th in the MVP odds, tied with Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson. Herbert won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season despite having the 3rd worst OL that allowed the 2nd most pressures in the league. PFF actually graded the Chargers' OL as the worst unit in football last season.

Luckily for Herbert, the organization recognized that and made vast improvements in that area during the offseason. The team completely revamped their OL by adding LG Matt Feiler and C Corey Linsley via free agency and drafting LT Rashawn Slater.

I'm also hyped to see him play under an improved head coach, offensive coordinator, and QB coach. I don't want to trash Anthony Lynn and co. too much since they are gone, but this offense should be much better next season with them out of the picture. I'll leave it at that.

Herbert threw more touchdowns as a rookie than any QB ever with 31 and didn't even play a full season. Imagine what his numbers are going to look like this year with 17 games. And, good QBs always get better in their second season, so I'm expecting nothing less from Herbert. I think he can have his team in the playoff hunt, which would just help his MVP chances.

With a full season worth of games, a much improved OL, and better play calling, he will easily shatter his numbers from last season. As long as Herbert stays upright, he will be in the running for this award. Yes, this kid is as good as advertised.

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Longshot: Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (+3300)

My colleague Eli Hershkovich did a great job of breaking down why Mayfield is a good bet for the award.

Personally, I like this bet for a few big reasons. Last season, Baker improved both his completion % and TD-to-Int ratio from his previous year. Two big metrics I look for when analyzing young QBs.

Roster wise, the Browns are absolutely loaded on both sides of the football and should be a Super Bowl contender next season. Cleveland winning games will only help his cause if he has a great season.

On his side of the ball he's got a terrific OL, a stud RB, and playmakers all across the field. Getting back a healthy Odell Beckham will also be a big boost, as will another year in Kevin Stefanski's offense. What more could a QB ask for?

Mayfield is definitely worth a sprinkle at these odds, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them shorten to 25-1 or less by the start of the season.