Super Bowl 2016 MVP Odds: Cam Newton, Peyton Manning, Luke Kuechly Among Betting Favorites

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers — Cam Newton is the odds-on favorite to win the MVP of Super Bowl 50. Getty

One of the most popular Super Bowl prop bets each year is the choice for the game’s MVP, and one player stands out as the clear favorite to win the award in 2016. Cam Newton (-130) has the best betting odds to be named the most valuable player in the Feb. 7 contest between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.

Since the Panthers have moved up to 5.5-point favorites over the Broncos, it’s no surprise that their starting quarterback is the odds-on favorite to win the award. He’ll likely be named the MVP of the regular season, and he’s been just as good in the playoffs with five touchdowns and a 113.4 passer rating in two games.

Peyton Manning (+275) already has one Super Bowl MVP to his name, and he has the second-best odds. He didn’t play particularly well in either of Denver’s first two playoff games, but he’s still the frontrunner to win the award in a potential Broncos victory. A quarterback has been named the MVP in 27 of the 49 Super Bowls, including seven of the last nine years.

Only three linebackers have been named Super Bowl MVP, but it wouldn’t be shocking if a fourth is added to the list this year. Luke Kuechly (+1400) has the best odds of any player that’s not a quarterback, and he could win the award if he plays like he did in the Panthers’ first two playoff games, returning an interception for a touchdown in each contest. Von Miller (+2000) might have been the MVP of the AFC Championship, recording 2.5 sacks. In Super Bowl V, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley was name MVP, and he remains the only player to win the award in a losing effort.

Seven running backs have won the award, though Terrell Davis was the last to do it 18 years ago. Denver’s C.J. Anderson (+2000) has slightly better odds than Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart (+2200). Ronnie Hillman (+6600) is a long shot.

Six wide receivers have been named the Super Bowl MVP, including three between 2005 and 2009. Ted Ginn Jr. (+2000), Emmanuel Sanders (+2200) and Demaryius Thomas (+2200) all have similar odds. No tight end has ever won the award, but Greg Olsen (+2200) has a chance to make history this year since he’s Newton’s top target.

No kicker has ever won the award. Graham Gano (+6600) and Brandon McManus (+6600) are long shots, though McManus might have been Denver’s most important player in the divisional playoffs with five field goals.

Super Bowl 50 - Odds to Win MVP [Bovada]

Cam Newton -130

Peyton Manning +275

Luke Kuechly +1400

C.J. Anderson +2000

Ted Ginn Jr. +2000

Von Miller +2000

Greg Olsen +2200

Emmanuel Sanders +2200

Jonathan Stewart +2200

Demaryius Thomas +2200

Josh Norman +2800