brees
Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the New York Giants at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 1, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Barring an unexpected late-season slump, it appears one of the NFL’s elder statesmen will win his first ever league MVP award this year. New Orleans Saints (10-1) quarterback Drew Brees has put up stellar statistics and guided his team to the top of the league, and oddsmakers expect him to be named the league’s most valuable player at the end of the season.

The former Purdue Boilermaker is a minus-money favorite, with -400 odds to win NFL MVP.

Brees, 39, has thrown for 3,135 yards, 29 touchdowns and just two interceptions on the season. The Saints have won 10 straight games, including a win over the Los Angeles Rams (10-1). New Orleans has the fast track to the top seed in the NFC, and the excellent season Brees is having, combined with his seniority, make him the favorite for the prestigious award.

Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) quarterback Patrick Mahomes is behind Brees, at +250 odds. He was the favorite a few weeks ago, but his five turnovers in a loss to the Rams and the incredible consistency of Brees have lowered his chances in the eyes of oddsmakers. Mahomes has thrown for 3,628 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.

2018 NFL MVP Odds ( OddsShark )

Drew Brees -400

Patrick Mahomes +250

Andrew Luck +1400

Philip Rivers +2500

Jared Goff +2800

Todd Gurley +2800

Ben Roethlisberger +4000

Tom Brady +4000