10 favorites to win NFL MVP Award in 2016-17 season

10 favorites to win the NFL MVP Award in the 2016-17 season

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

No. 1: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

As we highlighted at the start, the odds are stacked against Cam Newton repeating as MVP. It’s only ever been done by four other players — Brown (1957-58), Montana (1989-90), Favre (1995-97) and Manning (2003-04, 2008-09).

Newton just turned 27 and is coming off the finest season of his five-year NFL career. He passed for 3,837 yards with a career-high 35 touchdowns, and added 636 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. No quarterback is more dynamic, or dangerous, as a runner. His 43 career rushing touchdowns are already tied with Steve Young for the most by a quarterback in NFL history.

The Panthers are unlikely to go 15-1 again this season, but with the return of top receiver Kelvin Benjamin and the key pieces of a stout defense still intact, they will be in the mix of the NFC playoffs.

Benjamin’s return could be the key to Newton’s continued excellence. Ted Ginn Jr., Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess and Philly Brown all had their moments last season, but none of them has Benjamin’s raw talent. The 6-foot-5 Benjamin led the team in receiving yards (1,008) and touchdowns (nine) as a rookie in 2014.

The odds might be against Newton to repeat as MVP, but he deserves top billing on this list for now, if only based upon his historic 2015 campaign.

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