2021 NFL MVP odds, picks and predictions: Contenders must go through Patrick Mahomes

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is the reigning NFL MVP entering the 2021 NFL season. There has not been a repeat MVP winner since Peyton Manning won it in 2008 and 2009. So who will win it this coming season? Below, we look at the odds to be named the 2021 NFL MVP, with NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The MVP is almost always a quarterback. A signal-caller won the award every year since 2012 and 18 of the last 22 MVPs have been quarterbacks.

Last year, it was Rodgers. The previous year was Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. Before that, it was Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.

The favorites this year are Mahomes at +450, Rodgers at +750, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen at +1000 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady at +1200.

2021 NFL MVP picks

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (+450)

Because of his production since his sophomore 2018 season, Mahomes is always a possibility. He is arguably the best quarterback in the game and plays for the preseason 2022 Super Bowl favorites. He has won it before and has players all around him to put up big numbers.

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (+1000)

Allen broke out last season and the Bills were one win from the Super Bowl. He returns with much of the same offensive personnel and the Bills are a favorite to challenge the Chiefs for the AFC crown. Allen had big numbers last season and led the Bills to 13 wins. If he approaches that success again, it will take a huge season from someone else to top him.

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Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (+1500)

Wilson looked like he was going to roll to the MVP last season with how he played in the first five games of 2020. He has been in the conversation almost yearly since entering the league in 2012.

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (+2000)

Murray is a very nice sleeper pick with a ton of value. He looked like an MVP candidate in the middle of the season when he was flirting with the potential of 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. He became the first player to ever pass for more than 3,500 yards and rush for over 750 yards.

Now he has an improved offensive line in from of him and WR A.J. Green was added opposite WR DeAndre Hopkins. Murray offers the potential for the 4,000/1,000 combo with as many as 45 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. If he does what Allen did last year and the Cardinals win games, Murray is a real threat.

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Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield (+3000)

Mayfield had a big season last year while playing much more efficiently. But here’s the thing: the Browns might be the most talented team in the AFC and Mayfield gets WR Odell Beckham Jr. back this season.

If the Browns are contenders in the AFC and Mayfield’s numbers take another step forward, he will be a real threat.

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