A victory over the Cincinnati Bengals has helped maintain Patrick Mahomes as the favorite for the NFL MVP award. However, C.J. Stroud's odds have significantly shortened from +900 to +550 following an impressive Week 2 performance.
C.J. Stroud has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the MVP race, guiding the Houston Texans to a 2-0 start and joining the ranks of elite players like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Current NFL MVP Odds
| Player | Odds |
| Patrick Mahomes | +350 |
| C.J. Stroud | +550 |
| Jalen Hurts | +1,000 |
| Joe Burrow | +2,000 |
| Lamar Jackson | +2,000 |
| Brock Purdy | +2,200 |
| Dak Prescott | +2,200 |
| Baker Mayfield | +2,500 |
Favorites to Win NFL MVP
Patrick Mahomes (+350)
Patrick Mahomes remains the frontrunner for the NFL MVP despite a mixed performance in Week 2. He led the Kansas City Chiefs to a win over the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing for two touchdowns and two interceptions with just 151 passing yards.
While it wasn’t his cleanest game, many bettors continue to view Mahomes as the top MVP candidate.
Josh Allen (+450)
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have started strong, with their offense firing on all cylinders. Although Allen's stats from his last game — 13-for-19 for 139 yards — aren’t flashy, they reflect a dominant team performance, particularly in a blowout win over the Miami Dolphins.
The key for Allen is maintaining this form throughout the entire regular season.
C.J. Stroud (+550)
C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins are quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most effective offensive duos. In the Texans' latest game,
Stroud threw for 260 yards and a touchdown, despite Houston scoring only 19 points. His leadership has guided the Texans to a 2-0 start, and sportsbooks have taken notice by adjusting his MVP odds from +900 to +550, indicating his rising stock in the MVP race.
Adapting Your Betting Strategy Throughout the Season
When betting on futures, such as the NFL MVP, it's important to understand that certain bets, like team win totals, are typically made before the season starts and do not change. However, other futures bets, including MVP odds, will fluctuate as the season progresses.
At the beginning of the season, there is usually less variance in futures odds because more players and teams are still considered viable contenders. As the season progresses, the odds tend to tighten around the favorites as top performers and teams start to separate themselves from the rest.
During the preseason and early weeks of the season, betting on dark horses can be highly profitable. However, as the season moves forward, it becomes wiser to focus on players who are closer to the top of the odds board. Betting on long shots later in the season is often less advantageous and can be compared to giving your money away.
If you're considering an MVP futures bet, it’s crucial to keep these factors in mind and adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize your potential returns.