We’re more than halfway through the 2023 NFL season, and the MVP race continues to be extremely competitive as no player has separated themselves after nine weeks. As a result, we currently don’t have a sole betting favorite at one sportsbook, as Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson have equal NFL MVP odds and are co-favorites at the top.
NFL MVP Odds Update: Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson Are Now Co-Favorites
When looking at the updated NFL MVP odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, it’s no surprise to see Mahomes, Hurts, and Jackson as co-favorites at +350 apiece. This is an award almost always given to the quarterback on the best team, and the teams with the three best records right now are the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens.
We’re also nine weeks into the season, and there hasn’t been a runaway favorite. Tua Tagovailoa looked like a strong candidate earlier this season, but he has since fallen to fourth at +650 after the Miami Dolphins lost two of their three last games and remain winless against teams with a winning record.
Tyreek Hill, Christian McCaffrey, and A.J. Brown are each having historic seasons but remain long shots because they don’t play quarterback. So between Mahomes, Hurts, and Jackson, who is the best bet to win MVP?
Who Is the Best Bet To Win NFL MVP?
Mahomes is having a terrific season, but expectations are so high with him that it almost doesn’t seem MVP-worthy. He’s currently on track to finish with career lows in passing touchdowns, yards per attempt, and QB rating over the course of a full regular season. Additionally, at this rate, he will set a career high in interceptions as well.
At this pace, Mahomes winning MVP would almost feel like the NBA awarding it to LeBron James in his prime by default because there were no other deserving candidates.
After a slow start to the season, Hurts has arguably been playing the best football of his career. The Eagles are 8-1 heading into their bye week, but Hurts’ knee injury combined with their upcoming schedule (Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks) are two major obstacles in his MVP candidacy.
However, if Hurts can avoid further injury and the Eagles still have the best record in football after that five-game stretch, he could emerge as the runaway favorite.
Statistically, Jackson is far behind both Mahomes and Hurts, as he trails in QBR, TDs, and yards from scrimmage, but he’s currently leading the NFL in completion percentage at 71.5%. And only C.J. Stroud has thrown fewer interceptions this season.
MORE: NFL Offensive Player of the Year Odds
There is some untapped upside for Jackson as he continues to get more comfortable in a new offensive scheme with several new faces on offense. However, the Ravens also have a difficult schedule coming up, with games remaining against the Jaguars, Dolphins, Bengals, 49ers, Browns, and Steelers.
So of the three co-favorites, who is the best bet to win the award?
This seems like a cop-out answer, but even given everything I said about him earlier, I would still lean toward Mahomes. My answer would be Hurts if not for the risk of his knee injury, and I believe Joe Burrow, who has been a fast riser in recent weeks, had too slow of a start to the season to make enough of a case.
Of Mahomes’ eight remaining opponents, only the Bengals defense could give him trouble. As impressive as Philly has been, their defense is very vulnerable in the passing game, and matchups against the Raiders (twice), Packers, Bills, Patriots, and Chargers could help Mahomes cement his MVP case.
Our Betting Lines page has the freshest lines and promos to get BANG for your buck. PFN’s FREE Parlay Calculator and Betting Odds Calculator are also available for your betting process! New to sports betting? Check out our guide on How to Bet on the NFL. Visit our Sports Betting Legal Tracker on how to bet legally in the U.S.