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As the NFL preseason officially kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game later this month, our eyes turn to the sportsbooks. Lines have been posted for the various NFL awards as well as player performance statistics. Bet on everything from the MVP to how many touchdowns Puka Nucua will score this season. Read on for expert NFL futures picks and explore stats and tips to bet on the NFL MVP favorites.
- National Football League
- 2025 regular season
- 32 teams play 17 games each
- Awards for Most Valuable Player, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, and more
- Opening game set for September 4
NFL MVP Favorites
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a slight favorite to regain the throne as the league’s Most Valuable Player at (+550). Josh Allen got the nod last year and is closely behind Jackson at (+650). Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, both fellow AFC QBs, are also in the 6:1 range at (+600). Last year’s sensation Jayden Daniels sits at (+800), with all other players (+2000) or longer.
| NFL MVP |  |  |  |
| Lamar Jackson | +550 | +500 | +500 |
| Josh Allen | +650 | +600 | +565 |
| Joe Burrow | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| Patrick Mahomes | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| Jayden Daniels | +800 | +800 | +850 |
Want to better understand the NFL futures market? See our top NFL football betting sites in 2025 and explore NFL MVP betting odds.
NFC QBs Overlooked in NFL MVP Race
The MVP race is typically filled with quarterbacks leading their offenses to division titles, and this year is no exception. The top 17 favorites to win MVP play quarterback, with Saquon Barkley the shortest non-QB favorite at (+5000). Interestingly, it appears the lion’s share of elite QBs contending for the MVP award are in the AFC. Jackson, Allen, Mahomes and Burrow all fit this description.
I have to believe this lends some value to the NFC quarterbacks currently on the outside of the MVP picture but with plenty of opportunity. After a breakout rookie season, Jayden Daniels is set to push Washington back to the playoffs and maybe even a Super Bowl appearance after falling one game short in 2024. At (+850), the second-year captain is priced eerily similar to CJ Stroud at the beginning of last season, who was around (+900).
Perhaps that doesn’t bode well for his chances, at least in a superstitious way. Stroud also shined his rookie year before falling flat last season. But a veteran could be getting overlooked in this market. Matthew Stafford is 35:1 to win his first MVP award. The Los Angeles Rams suffered from numerous injuries on the offensive side of the ball in 2024, but they should be back healthy now with Davante Adams in the mix.
I think if you’re looking to back a player in the MVP race, it should be in the NFC, where a strong record could look even better and they will be less threatened by head-to-head meetings with other MVP contenders. It’s important to note that all these awards markets are based on the AP’s results, not any other media outlet such as the PFWA.
Sauce Gardner Undervalued for Defensive Player of the Year
Defensively, there are three clear favorites for Player of the Year. Micah Parsons leads the charge along with Aidan Hutchison and Myles Garrett. Clearly, the sportsbooks are leaning towards defensive ends, but cornerbacks can win it too. Patrick Surtain II evidences that claim with a DPOY trophy last season. With that in mind, there is a flashy cornerback with individual silverware already I have my eye on.
Sauce Gardner is the best player on the Jets this season despite a subpar 2024. A lockdown cornerback with speed and agility, Gardner was rated 90+ by the PFF in back-to-back seasons, with only Darrelle Revis managing to do the same as a corner. He was the highest-rated cornerback in 2023 as well. As a former Defensive Rookie of the Year Winner with multiple Pro Bowl honors, it’s clear voters would support his case.
I think at the current number, it’s absolutely worth a shot to back Sauce Gardner, especially if the Jets can manage a winning season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: RJ Harvey to Take Over for Denver?
Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward are receiving plenty of attention as high-profile rookies. But the Denver Broncos are likely starting an underrated running back with potential to boom in 2025. RJ Harvey was drafted out of the second round from UCF and already has pundits projecting him as a top-10 running back in the NFL.
If Jeanty has a season worse than expected or gets injured, Harvey could easily look like the best rookie running back. And in some years, that might just be enough. A ton of money has come in on Harvey since odds opened, so sharps are in agreement that Harvey was underrated by sportsbooks. Learn more about how to bet on NFL Rookie of the Year.
Abdul Carter Massively Favored to Win Defensive Rookie of the Year
While many will shoe in Abdul Carter as winner of the Defensive Rookie of the Year award before the season even begins, divisional rival Dallas has had a history of developing strong defensive ends and have an elite prospect on their hands. Donovan Ezeiruaku finished just one sack short of leading the nation in college football and will get exploitable one-on-one opportunities with Micah Parsons playing opposite him.
25:1 is a big number for a second-round draft pick to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, let alone a defensive end for the Cowboys. I think there is some value here on the Boston College product to shine on the big stage in 2025.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
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