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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has four Super Bowl rings and three Super Bowl MVP awards to his name.
And when Super Bowl LI rolls around, he’s expected to add another to each of those lists.
Here’s a look at the top candidates (you can click here for the full list, via OddsShark.com) to win MVP when the Pats take on the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night in Houston:
Odds to Win Super Bowl LI MVP
Note: Odds are as of January 30, 2017
Tom Brady: +120
Matt Ryan: +200
Julio Jones: +900
Logan Ryan: +1000
Devonta Freeman: +2500
Julian Edelman: +2500
LeGarrette Blount: +2500
Chris Hogan: +2500
Dion Lewis: +3300
Mohamed Sanu: +4000
Tevin Coleman: +5000
Vic Beasley: +5000
Martellus Bennett: +5000
Matt Bryant: +6600
Taylor Gabriel: +6600
Stephen Gostkowski: +6600
Malcolm Butler: +6600
Super Bowl LI MVP Prediction
There’s a reason both of the quarterbacks are so heavily favored. 27 of the 51 MVP’s in Super Bowl history (Harvey Martin and Randy White won co-MVP in Super Bowl XII) have been quarterbacks, as have seven of the last 10 winners.
Throw in the fact that Brady and Matt Ryan are each playing at an unconscious level, as well as the high potential of a shootout (the over/under stands at a whopping 58.5), and it’s difficult to foresee any other player winning the prestigious award.
Of course, neither has very compelling odds, so if you’re looking for a bet that will net you more potential profit, consider looking on the defensive side of the ball.
We’ve seen in the recent past that a defensive touchdown (Malcolm Smith in Super Bowl XLVIII) or just a downright unstoppable performance (Von Miller in Super Bowl L) can help buck the QB trend. On that note, someone like Falcons electric edge rusher Vic Beasley (15.5 sacks and a touchdown during the regular season) or Patriots corner Malcolm Butler, who knows a thing or two about making game-changing players in the Super Bowl, could make for an intriguing roll of the dice.
If I’m seeking a big profit and want to go with a longshot, I’m going with Beasley. But if I’m not concerned with the odds and am simply making a prediction, I can’t pick against the most successful quarterback in NFL playoff history.
Prediction: Tom Brady (+120)