For the past eleven years, the NFL MVP has been handed out to a quarterback. And during those eleven years, Aaron Rodgers won it three times, Patrick Mahomes twice, and Lamar Jackson twice. Basically, there have been a handful of players who sit atop the list of surefire candidates. While it’s doubtful that Rodgers will win it for a fifth time, Mahomes and Jackson have a good shot at adding another trophy to their resume.
However, each NFL season brings its share of twists and turns, injuries, and fairy tale seasons, allowing a number of dark horse candidates to get some shine, even if just for a fleeting moment or a couple of games. Is there a non-quarterback out there that could possibly rip the award from the grasp of a star quarterback? The last one to do so was Adrian Peterson in 2012 and the last defensive player was Lawrence Taylor in 1986.
As the NFL season kicks into high gear fans are eager to state their opinion on who might take home the MVP honors either just by voicing their thoughts or placing a wager. For those looking to get in on the action north of the border, many of Canada’s top betting apps provide a variety of options to not only bet on their favorite teams but also place prop bets for individual awards.
With the first week of games behind us, the MVP race is already in high gear with favorites and underdogs making their presence felt. Among the dark horses this season are a wide receiver, a running back, a linebacker, and yes, a pair of quarterbacks.
Tyreek Hill – Miami Dolphins, Wide Receiver
Last season, Hill put a scare into Calvin Johnson’s single-season receiving record, falling 165 yards short due to injuries. Hill’s ability to stretch the field with his explosive speed and versatility, creating big plays for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
If Hill can stay healthy and out of legal trouble, he has the ability to become the first wide receiver to ever win the league’s MVP award. Last year the Dolphins finished first in offensive yardage with Hill, who also posted a league-best 13 receiving touchdowns, leading the way.
Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers, Running Back
Finishing third in MVP voting last season, McCaffrey’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways makes him a contender to knock the perennial favorites off the pedestal. Combining speed, agility, and power, McCaffrey is arguably the most valuable running back in the NFL, impacting the 49ers’ offense with or without the ball.
Last season, the four-time All-Pro captured the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, leading the league in rushing yards, scrimmage touches, yards, and touchdowns. Considering that the 49ers are considered to be among the favorites to contend for this year’s Super Bowl, McCaffrey should be playing meaningful games until late in the season, giving him more chances to play in front of voters.
Jared Goff – Detroit Lions, Quarterback
In his first three years with the Lions, Jared Goff helped the team improve their record each season. Finishing 12-5 last year, the Lions won the NFC North and extended their season to the NFC Championship game, falling short by three points to the 49ers. With Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown as prime targets and offensive coach Ben Johnson all back for another season, Goff and the Lions could have a top-five offense this season.
Goff had a career-best completion percentage and second-most touchdowns of his career last season. If he can maintain or improve on those numbers and the Lions can repeat or better their team record from last season, Goff could be a surprise winner of the MVP award this season.
C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans, Quarterback
He has one full season under his belt, finishing with a 9-6 record last season, and became the youngest quarterback in league history to win a playoff game. In doing so, C.J. Stroud captured the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and was named to the Pro Bowl. The scary thing is that the Texans quarterback has the ability to be better this season.
The Texans have added some key pieces to help their young star and with his ability to make accurate throws, effectively read defenses, and create for himself, Stroud has all the ingredients to become the league MVP multiple times over.
Micah Parsons – Dallas Cowboys, Linebacker
It has been nearly forty years since “L.T.”, arguably the greatest defensive player of all time, won the MVP award. Micah Parsons has a long way to go before being compared to the New York Giants star. However, as a dark horse candidate, Parsons still has to be given some consideration, especially if he can help the Cowboys win the NFC East.
With explosive speed and power, Parsons is one of the best at rushing the opposing quarterbacks, totaling 14 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, and 33 hits last season. While the odds are stacked against a defensive player being named MVP, Parsons’s elite skillset and the Cowboys’ potential to contend for a title make him the ultimate darkhorse candidate.
