8) Stefon Diggs (WR, New England Patriots)
Stat line: +6000 odds
Diggs enters the Super Bowl as a veteran presence capable of opening a game with smart running. While he is considered a big risk bet, his history of performances in big games keeps him on the radar of bettors looking for a high-reward play. He needs a multi-touchdown performance to have a real shot at hitting the hardware.
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7) Marcus Jones (CB/RS, New England Patriots)
July 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) heads to the practice fields for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Stat line: +5500 odds
Jones is the ultimate wild card in this field and offers value because he contributes in multiple phases of the game. As the only defensive player listed among the top contenders, his path to MVP likely involves a quick play on special teams or a game-changing interception. Von Miller was the last defenseman to win it, proving that it takes a dominant performance to break through.
6) Rashid Shaheed (WR/RS, Seattle Seahawks)
December 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, United States; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Stat line: +2800 odds
Known for his electric speed, Shaheed is the type of player who can rack up yards in chunks, which is exactly what MVP voters love to see. He’s in the middle tier of candidates and needs a signature deep pass or special teams spark to separate himself from the pack. At +2800, bettors see him as a dangerous but unlikely option.
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5) Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, New England Patriots)
December 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, United States; New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) celebrates a sack against Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) with New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Stat line: +2500 odds
Stevenson brings a physical running style that could define the game if New England controls the pace on the field. No running back has won Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998, putting history against him. However, if the Patriots win a low-scoring, high-effort game, Stevenson is the most logical beneficiary.
4) Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seattle Seahawks)
January 3, 2026; Santa Clara, California, United States; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Stat line: +600 odds
Walker sits just outside the favorites and offers the explosive potential to change the game with just one carry. Like Stevenson, he’s fighting the historical bias against running backs, but his odds suggest a much better chance of taking over the game. If Seattle wins comfortably on the ground, Walker is the guy.
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3) Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
November 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, United States; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Stat line: +550 odds
As the projected top target in the passing game outside of quarterbacks, Smith-Njigba has a realistic path to the trophy. Recent history favors catchers: Cooper Kupp and Julian Edelman won it in the last decade. If Darnold throws for 300 yards, a big chunk of it will probably go to JSN.
2) Drake Maye (QB, New England Patriots)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) smiles after a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Stat line: +235 odds
Maye enters his first Super Bowl as the underdog, but his dual-threat ability gives him a unique advantage. His rushing prowess was key in the AFC Championship, and a similar performance on the biggest stage could sway voters in his favor. If the Patriots pull off the upset, the prize will almost certainly be theirs.
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1) Sam Darnold (quarterback, Seattle Seahawks)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Stat line: +130 odds
The narrative and numbers point to Darnold, who opens as the clear favorite to take home the hardware. Coming off a 346-yard, three-touchdown masterpiece in the conference title game, he’s playing the best football of his career at the perfect time. If Seattle wins, it will probably be because Darnold split the defense.
the verdict
January 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
History says to bet on the quarterback, and the odds reflect that reality with Darnold and Maye leading the pack. But with dynamic running backs and receivers lurking, the race for this year’s MVP appears more open than the lines suggest.
The post NFL: Ranking Super Bowl MVP Odds for Top Contenders appeared first on The Big Lead.