5 best possible bets to make right now on NFL MVP

4. Sam Darnold 90/1

Obviously, this is a long shot, but you’re not getting a sure thing at +9000. Sam Darnold is exactly where we want him. He’s got a much better offense around him. Le’Veon Bell gives him a major option for an outlet pass, which is a nice security blanket. That allows him to look downfield more because he knows if it doesn’t materialize, then he has a player that can make plays he can throw to without thinking.

Darnold is expected to lead a much better New York Jets team this season. Their defense seems very good, and Adam Gase could be the coach they needed. Personally, we’ve bet against the Jets hype as far as team success, but if the Jets somehow get towards 10ish wins, then wouldn’t the world talk about Sam Darnold for MVP? If he’s not driving the bus, the Jets aren’t making the playoffs, so if they’re able to make things happen expect his name to be in some early discussions.

In Week 2, Darnold goes head to head with Baker Mayfield, the player the Cleveland Browns picked before him. Mayfield is 11/1 right now, which is quite high. If Darnold can beat the Browns on Monday Night Football, that would start the MVP momentum. Remember what Darnold did in Week 2 last season? He had the best game of the season with 341 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The Jets also get their Patriots matchups out of their way by Week 7. That means he can build some momentum towards the end of the year when writers are thinking about who they want to pick as MVP. Seven of their final nine matchups look to be against some of the worst teams on paper. He has a real chance to make some noise, and could lead the Jets to a very good season that puts him in MVP contention.