NFL MVP Odds 2025-2026: Betting Odds, Predictions & Expert Picks

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The MVP is an award presented annually to recognize the best player and most valuable to their team. Since the legendary Cleveland Browns' fullback, Jim Brown, took home the very first NFL MVP award in 1957, the trend has continued to favor players on competitive teams.

Last year, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen won his first-ever Most Valuable Player Award. With the NFL season set to kick off on September 4, bettors now have the opportunity to place a futures bet on who they think will be crowned the league's best.

The Award Has Favored Quarterbacks

The trend is likely to continue, with quarterbacks having won the award for 12 straight years. While Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow are among the favorites, running backs such as Saquon Barkley (+6000)  Derrick Henry (+130000), and Jahmyr Gibbs (+125000) hold incredible value.

In this article you will find the top MVP candidates, current betting odds, and expert predictions for the upcoming 2025—2026 NFL season.  Find the best value odds when you bet with Ballislife Bets!

2025—2026 NFL MVP Betting Odds: Top 25 Players

If you're betting on the upcoming NFL season, here is a list of the top 25 players predicted to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, along with the best odds.

The first 19 players, all with the lowest odds, are quarterbacks. Aforementioned, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Jayden Daniels are the most popular quarterbacks among oddsmakers.

While quarterbacks are the majority, wide receivers such as Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase has great value at +15000 odds on DraftKings. Along with that, Vikings star wideout Justin Jefferson has similar odds. Although a wide receiver has never won the MVP award, will that happen this year?

Other than quarterbacks, Barkley, Gibbs, and Henry–oddsmakers have running backs Christian McCaffrey (+15000) and Bijan Robinson (+15000) to make some noise.

Let's take a look at my top MVP candidates, dark horse players, and my final prediction who will win the 2025—2026  NFL Most Valuable Player award.

Top NFL MVP Candidates: Quarterbacks

Favorite: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+550 DraftKings)

2024-2025 NFL Stats

GP: 17  | Passing TD: 41 | INT: 4  | CMP:  66.7 % | Passing Yards: 4,172 | Rushing Yards: 915 |Rushing TD: 4 | Sack: 23 | QBR: 74.8 | RTG: 119.6

Two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Lamar Jackson finished to Buffalo Bills Josh Allen for last season's award.

While Jackson wasn't the MVP, he put up significant numbers. Leading the Baltimore Ravens to 12-5 record, the Ravens won the AFC North. Under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson put up career numbers.

In 17 games, Jackson put up career-best stats in passing touchdowns (41), QBR (74.8), RTG (119.6), passing yards (4,172), and completions (316). Widely regarded as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson's ability to scramble, utilize his speed, and make deep throws makes him one of the most unique players in the NFl.

Why Lamar Jackson Is A Top NFL MVP Candidate

Jackson became the first player in NFL history to record over 800 rushing yards and 4,000 passing yards. While there's been much speculation and scrutiny over his passing capabilities, Jackson silenced his critics. Ranked top five in passing yards last year, Jackson was second in passing touchdowns.  In addition, he led the NFL with 14 40+ yard completions, and threw just four interceptions.

This offseason, the Ravens bolstered their offensive line, and recently signed safety Kyle Hamilton to a record extension. In addition, they resigned LT Ronnie Stanley and have one of the most elite centers in the NFL in Tyler Linderbaum.  With Derrick Henry in the backfield, Jackson has wideouts in Rashod Bateman, DeAandre Hopkins, and Zay Flowers. With a fully healthy Mark Andrews, this offense is loaded.

The Ravens have the ninth-hardest strength of schedule, and are set to face nine playoff teams from the 2024-2025 season. While Jackson is the overwhelming favorite, there's still great pre-season odds value at +550.

Although the Ravens have fallen short of championship expectations under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens are expected to have another commanding season in the AFC. Coming off his third First-Team All-Pro selection, I foresee Jackson to remain heavily active in MVP talks.

My Prediction: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+650 DraftKings)

2024-2025 NFL Stats

GP: 17  | Passing TD: 29 | INT: 18  | CMP % 66.5 % | Passing Yards: 4,306 | Rushing Yards: 524 |Rushing TD: 15 | Sack: 24 | QBR: 70.3 | RTG: 92.2

Last year, bettors witnessed a historical season by fifth-year NFL pro Joe Burrow. After missing several games in 2023 due to a wrist injury, Burrow came back with a vengeance.

In 17 games, Burrow posted career-best stats in passing touchdowns (43), completions (460), attempts (652), QBR (72.1), passing yards (4,918), and completion percentage (70.6 %).

We are talking about a quarterback who threw just shy of 5,000 yards. A rare accomplishment, only nine players have thrown for 5,000+ yards in NFL history.

Despite a tumultuous year, Burrow helped the Bengals finish out the season with five consecutive wins. With a 9-8 record, it wasn't enough to sneak into the playoffs.

Making history as the fourth-highest career passer rating (101.2), Burrow cemented himself as the first player in league history to record 250+ passing yards and 3+ touchdowns in eight straight games.

Burrow accomplished all this while sacked 48 times, the second-most in his career. Having finished fourth in MVP voting behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Saquon Barkley, Burrow did not receive one first place vote.

Sure, the Bengals missed the playoffs, and the their offensive line often failed Burrow. Against the Denver Broncos, No. 9 threw for over 400 yards with three touchdowns despite getting sacked at least seven times. Backed by one of the worst defenses in the league, Burrow historical season was overshadowed by record and team struggles.

Why Joe Burrow Deserves to Win NFL MVP in 2025

The Bengals have the 14th hardest-strength of schedule this season, and will square off against nine playoff teams from 2024. With that said, I do have some ongoing concerns about the offensive line. I don't expect much of an upgrade, even after the signing of OG Lucas Patrick, and the re-signing of Cody Ford. While the Bengals drafted Dylan Fairchild in the third-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, there are still some question marks.

I do believe the Bengals will have a bounce-back season, and have two bona fide wideouts in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals are in a highly competitive AFC North division with the Steelers and Ravens. However, the Bengals luckily gave pass rusher Trey Hendrickson a $14 million raise, which should give them a boost on the defensive end.

I do expect the defense to improve under Al Golden, as the Bengals signed several defensive tackles in the offseason. If the defense can get support Burrow into a playoff push, he has a strong case to win the Most Valuable Player.

Joe Burrow is my favorite and best prediction to win the 2025—2026 NFL MVP award. Not only does he have two of the most elite weapons in the league, he's coming off a tremendous season overshadowed by a missed playoff campaign.

Dark Horse Pick: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (+1000 FanDuel)

2024-2025 NFL Stats

GP: 17  | Passing TD: 25 | INT: 9  | CMP: 69 % | Passing Yards: 3,568 | Rushing Yards: 891 |Rushing TD: 6 | Sack: 47 | QBR: 67.7 | RTG: 100.1

There's no question the Washington Commanders made the right choice by drafting former LSU standout Jayden Daniels No.2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Daniels made an instant impact as a rookie, leading the Commanders to a 12-5 record in the NFC East. Under his leadership, Daniels led Washington to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. In fact, they were one victory away from a Super Bowl appearance.

As a rookie, it's unheard of to face a division rival in the NFC Conference Finals. We are talking about a Commanders team that finished with a 4-13 record in 2023, and 8-8 record the season prior.

I have Jayden Daniels as both a dark horse pick to win this year's MVP award, which has great value at +1000 odds on FanDuel.

Daniels has quickly emerged into a potential top-five NFL quarterback, who possesses both accuracy and speed. How many quarterbacks can accurately throw the ball down field, while utilizing their legs to move the chains?  Daniels threw for over 3,500 passing yards, and added six rushing touchdowns with 891 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback ever.

Is Jayden Daniels A Top-Five NFL Quarterback?

Having completed one of the best rookie campaigns in NFL history, Daniels was named the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, I'm only anticipating that Daniels continues to elevate his game.

The Commanders upgraded their offense by acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel in a trade from the San Fransisco 49ers. With Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, and K.J Osbourne all re-signed/ signed with Washington, the Commanders are loaded with talent. Plus, they re-signed tight end Zach Ertz to a one-year deal.

The biggest news? Daniels gets his top target back, and the Commanders signed wideout Terry McLaurin to a 3-year $87 million extension. By re-signing McLaurin and adding Samuel, Daniels has two of the top versatile receivers in the NFC East.

While Daniels has a strong supporting cast, I see a slight improvement from the defense. However, the Commanders have the eighth hardest schedule, and they will compete against a healthy Dallas Cowboys team and reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles in the same division.

For that reason, I see Daniels as a dark horse MVP candidate. Expect him to put up some massive numbers in his sophomore season.

My 2025–2026 NFL Expert MVP Prediction: Joe Burrow (+650 DraftKings)