Reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes was the heavy favorite to repeat, but a couple of down performances in losses have created an opportunity for Russell Wilson.
The latest NFL MVP odds show that Wilson, not Mahomes, is now the new favorite to win the award.
In no way should this come as a surprise. Wilson has been nothing short of magnificent all season long. His Seahawks are 5-1 on the season, and Wilson has played a flawless brand of football.
For comparison’s sake, here’s how Mahomes and Wilson stack up statistically:
- Russell Wilson: 72.5% completion rate with 1,704 yards, 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions, with 151 yards and three touchdowns rushing.
- Patrick Mahomes: 63.9% completion rate with 2,104 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception, with 80 yards and zero touchdowns rushing.
In terms of the phrase “MVP” it’s always important to ask the question, “How would their teams perform if they were out of the lineup.” When it comes to these two quarterbacks, the answer’s pretty simple: Their teams would be in big trouble.
Looking at the other top favorites to in NFL MVP in 2019, it’s not surprising to see the list of odds-on favorites is headed by quarterbacks in large part. Even guys like Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, who have had their struggles, are well ahead of non-quarterbacks not named Christian McCaffrey.
Speaking of McCaffrey, what he’s done this season is spectacular, piling up 923 yards and nine touchdowns from scrimmage. Unfortunately, he won’t win MVP this year, or any year, because he’s not a quarterback. That’s how the cookie crumbles in the NFL these days.