The Eagles face the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday, and they’ll be looking for revenge after losing the big game to Kansas City a couple of seasons ago. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are gunning for the first ever Super Bowl three-peat as they try to further cement their dynasty.
Betting odds are live for Super Bowl MVP candidates, but who has the best shot at winning the award?
Historic precedent
There’s plenty of numbers to look at regarding the SBMVP’s history, so check out this article for more of the historic data surrounding past winners. In the meantime, let’s look at an overview.
- Quarterbacks have won the award 33 times, nearly 57% of the time
- Wide receivers have brought it home eight times
- Halfbacks (and fullbacks) have won SBMVP seven times
- Of non-QB winners, only eight defensive players have won it
Based on past results, it’s likely that one of the two quarterbacks will receive the most consideration from voters. The guidelines are fairly simple, as quarterbacks typically win with either 280+ passing yards or multiple touchdown passes. Other offensive skill players usually have a chance at winning with 100+ yards or multiple scores of their own. Defenders do have a chance, too, but typically need a truly game-breaking performance with multiple sacks, turnovers, or a key defensive touchdown.
The case for the favorites
Three names stick out as most-likely winners for the Super Bowl MVP on Sunday.
Patrick Mahomes is the leader to win the award with +120 odds. With Kansas City currently favored at -120 on the Moneyline, it makes sense that the game’s projected winning quarterback is the frontrunner. Simply put, Mahomes is one of the greatest talents to ever play the game and is proven under the bright lights of the Super Bowl. He already has three Super Bowl MVPs and three titles under his belt in four appearances, and another SBMVP would bring him second on the award’s all-time leaderboard. If Kansas City wins, it’s very likely Mahomes will add an extra trophy to his collection, so he’s a great pick at plus-money.
Second in award-winner odds on DraftKings Sportsbook is Saquon Barkley, who is the most likely non-QB candidate. Barkley led the NFL in rushing yards and was the most dominant halfback in football as he led the Eagles to this point. It’s his first Super Bowl appearance, and he’s had a phenomenal playoffs thus far with over 300 yards and five touchdowns across just two games. He’s the motor of this offense, and he’ll undoubtedly receive a massive workload. At +260 to win Super Bowl MVP, he’s not a bad bet by any means, especially since he finds the end zone and tallies 100+ yards in almost every outing.
Coming in under Barkley is Jalen Hurts. The Philadelphia signal-caller put up an amazing performance in his prior Super Bowl appearance by passing for 304 yards and one touchdown while adding another 70 yards and three scores on the ground. If he plays anything like he did in his first championship game, Hurts has a legit shot at bringing the SBMVP home. He has the quarterback advantage here, and at +350 odds, his case presents great value… he just has to win.
Follow this link to see the market for Super Bowl MVP winners on DraftKings Sportsbook.
