5 best possible bets to make right now on NFL MVP

3. Tom Brady 12/1

Tom Brady lost Rob Gronkowski and replaced him with multiple no-named players. He has Julian Edelman still playing, but he’s getting up there in age. Brady’s got a rookie who has some upside, but it doesn’t look like N’Keal Harry will be a game breaker this season, especially since he’s hurt already. Everything points to Bill Belichick putting all his chips on Brady’s arm to carry the Patriots.

This, as he’s playing on an interesting contract that could signal the end of his time in the country’s most hated franchise. Or it’s just some weird Patriots stuff. Either way, there’s a huge spotlight on the defending champs this season.

If Brady can replicate his numbers from last season (4,300 yards, 29 touchdowns, 65% completion percentage), then many would be through the roof, but those aren’t MVP numbers. We don’t expect Patrick Mahomes to put up those ridiculous numbers he did last season. If Brady can lift those numbers to 35 touchdowns and 5-6 interceptions, he could easily win the MVP. Especially if the Patriots find a way to win 13 games again.

The Patriots have an up-and-down schedule. They play the AFC North and NFC East, meaning they have the Cowboys and Eagles but also the Giants and Redskins. They have their yearly rendezvous with the Pittsburgh Steelers, this time to kick off the season. If Brady can put together some four touchdown games on national television (they are on at least five times), then he’ll always be in the national conversation.

Brady is 42. He’s old, that much is true. However, this is a player that always has a chip on his shoulder, and now he has a contract situation that makes him even more vulnerable. He’s scary when he’s vulnerable. Take advantage of Brady at the price you’re getting, because even if he’s not the best player in the league people will vote for him if he’s second or third.