The NFL world is already buzzing with excitement as sportsbooks have released their early odds for the 2025-26 MVP award. Just days after Josh Allen was crowned the 2024-25 regular season MVP, the Buffalo Bills quarterback finds himself near the top of the list again, with odds of +600. However, he’s narrowly edged out by Lamar Jackson, whose odds of +450 make him the early favorite. This dynamic duo has been battling for supremacy for years, and their rivalry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Patrick Mahomes, who was the initial frontrunner last season, is now sitting in third place at +700, while Joe Burrow follows closely behind at +750. The race is already shaping up to be one for the ages.
Allen’s MVP win this season was nothing short of remarkable. Despite being edged out by Jackson for the first-team All-Pro quarterback spot, Allen managed to secure 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 23, making it the closest contest since 2016. This achievement makes Allen the third player in NFL history to win MVP without being named to the first-team All-Pro squad, joining the likes of Steve McNair and John Elway. His impressive stats for the season—3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, six interceptions, 532 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns—undoubtedly played a significant role in his victory. Yet, it’s important to note that Jackson’s numbers were equally, if not more, impressive. This dichotomy highlights the subjective nature of MVP voting, where narrative and perception often play as big a role as raw statistics.
When it comes to betting on the MVP award, it’s a market like no other. The subjective nature of the voting process, combined with the fact that awards markets are restricted in some states, makes it a unique and somewhat unpredictable endeavor. While quarterbacks dominate the odds—you have to scroll all the way down to +5000 to find the first non-quarterback candidate, Saquon Barkley—it’s worth remembering that non-QBs have made history in recent decades. Players like Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, and Marshall Faulk have all claimed the award since 2000, proving that it’s not entirely out of reach for those playing other positions. However, the odds are undeniably stacked against them.
For the 2025-26 season, the early odds tell an interesting story. After Barkley, there’s a long stretch of quarterbacks, including up-and-comers like Drake Maye, Bryce Young, and Michael Penix Jr., before we reach the next non-QBs: wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, all sitting at +10000. These long-shot odds remind us just how quarterback-centric the league—and the MVP voting—has become. Still, it’s never too early to start speculating, and our staff has chimed in with their way-too-early picks for next season’s MVP.
Hannah Vanbiber is putting her faith in Joe Burrow at +750. A self-proclaimed LSU fan, she believes it’s Burrow’s time to shine, especially if the Bengals can bolster their supporting cast in the offseason. Her prediction isn’t just based on fandom; it’s also data-driven, as BetMGM has reported that 35% of the money wagered is on Burrow to win MVP. Mike Hume, on the other hand, is eyeing Jayden Daniels at +1100. He sees value in Daniels’ potential, especially if the Commanders can add more offensive weapons this offseason. Hume also considers Jalen Hurts at +2000, but worries that the Eagles’ reliance on Saquon Barkley might dilute Hurts’ numbers and MVP chances.
Brandon Funston is also backing Hurts at +2000, citing his Super Bowl MVP status and the Eagles’ strong roster. Dan Santaromita is going with Patrick Mahomes at +700, believing it’s a “buy-low” moment for the league’s best quarterback, especially if the Chiefs can shore up their offensive line. Jess Bryant rounds out the picks with Lamar Jackson at +450, arguing that he’s nearly guaranteed to be in the running again next year. Despite the odds not being the most favorable, Jackson’s consistency and the potential addition of another elite receiver make him a compelling choice.
As the NFL continues to evolve, so too does the MVP race. With young talent like Daniels and Hurts rising through the ranks, established stars like Mahomes and Jackson continuing to dominate, and the occasional non-QB dark horse, the 2025-26 season promises to be nothing short of thrilling. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just someone who enjoys the occasional bet, the journey to next year’s MVP award is going to be one wild ride. Who do you think will take home the hardware? Let us know in the comments!
