2022-23 NFL MVP Candidates
With NFL training camps well underway, teams are starting to get into playing shape for the regular season that begins on September 8.
This includes some of the best players in the league, who will look to carry their teams to the postseason and, hopefully, to the Super Bowl to play for a championship.
A list of the best sports betting sites already has odds for who will win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. Some familiar names are listed as favorites, but some intriguing players could be in the mix as longshots this season.
Favorites
Any discussion about NFL MVP has to start with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Even though they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last year, many people believe they will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this year. Allen is the main reason, as he has evolved into one of the league’s most challenging players to defend.
Just behind him as favorites to take home the most prestigious NFL individual honor are other top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers. Each of them has been among the best quarterback in the league for several years, if not a couple of decades, and could dial up a tremendous season. They each have something standard heading into the NFL campaign, as they try to perform without the services of a trusted weapon for some time. In the case of Mahomes and Rodgers, both saw top receivers Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams get traded to other teams. Brady will not have security blanket Rob Gronkowski this season and maybe without Chris Godwin for a few games.
Distinct Possibilities
It has unfolded quite curiously, but somehow, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has still not signed a mega extension deal that he probably deserves. Jackson said he wanted to focus on the team’s goals before taking care of his contract. Even if this is true, not having that money in the bank should motivate him to have a phenomenal season. He is probably the most electric running quarterback in the game and could be ready to win another MVP award.
Russell Wilson is another attractive candidate. The Denver Broncos quarterback struggles have been well documented since the retirement of Peyton Manning, and the organization finally feels like they have an option under center who will elevate the supporting cast. Suppose Wilson can lead an identical cast of skill position players that could not get over the hump with other quarterbacks into the postseason. In that case, his candidacy as most valuable will undoubtedly be boosted.
Fun Longshots
NFL MVP has become a quarterback-dominated award, as the last nine winners and 14 of the previous 15 have played under center. The last time a player who did not play quarterback won the NFL MVP was in 2012 when Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson took the crown.
While it might not be the most prudent bet, there are a couple of notable players who could challenge to end that streak. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had one of the best seasons catching the football in league history last year. Despite not being the fastest, strongest, or tallest player, he continued to get wide open and gash defenses for significant gains. It was surprising that opposing defenses did not double team him, even though they undoubtedly designed game plans to slow him down. They proved largely ineffective, meaning he could be in for another big year.
Another skill position player who could be in line for a gigantic 2022 season is Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. He was the rushing yards leader in 2021 by a mile, eclipsing Cleveland Browns runner Nick Chubb’s total by 552 yards. If the Indianapolis Colts challenge for the number one seed in the conference, it seems likely that Taylor will be the prominent reason. If new quarterback Matt Ryan plays well, it could be easier for the talented running back to break off significant gains.