2022 Super Bowl MVP Positional Breakdown: Scenarios, Trends and How a Defensive Player Will Win

With super-long odds for so many players, predicting the Super Bowl MVP for theLos Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals can make for an exciting way to bet on the biggest game of the year. While the quarterback is the far more likely candidate based on both the odds, as well as the history of the award, there have also been several instances where a defensive player has ended up with the most votes

Someone from either defense has won Super Bowl MVP a total of just six times in Super Bowl history. Ironically enough, the last player on defense to take home the award is currently playing in this year's big game: Von Miller back in Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos.

Let’s break down multiple trends for Super Bowl MVP-winning defensive players on offense and determine how there can be a seventh after Super Bowl 56.

All odds are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook:

Super Bowl MVP Betting Trends: How Often Does a Defensive Player Win?

• Defensive players have won Super Bowl MVP a total of six times in 55 games
• The last defensive player to win SB MVP was Von Miller with the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50
• Of all defensive positions, linebacker has won the most (4) over defensive end (2), safety (2), cornerback (1), and defensive tackle (1)
• Over the last 20 years, four wideouts have won Super Bowl MVP
• More defensive players (two) have won Super Bowl MVP in the last 10 years than non-quarterback offensive players. 

2022 Super Bowl MVP Odds for Defensive Players

• Aaron Donald (LAR) +1600
• Von Miller (LAR) +4000
• Jalen Ramsey (LAR) +10000
• Trey Hendrickson (CIN) +10000
• Leonard Floyd (LAR) +10000
• Eli Apple (CIN) +15000
• Von Bell (LAR) +15000
  

What Does a Defensive Player Need to Do to Win Super Bowl MVP?

With Aaron Donald the clear front-runner on that side of the ball, it's apparent that his ability to get to the quarterback and potentially force turnovers is what's expected to be in play.

The Bengals' offensive line has struggled all season, including the postseason where they allowed nine sacks against the Tennessee Titans. Donald led the Rams in sacks with 12.5, despite being double-teamed at a minimum on almost every play. So far this postseason, Donald has 1.5 sacks, as well as six hits on the quarterback.

Von Miller, the last defensive player to win Super Bowl MVP put up six tackles against the Carolina Panthers, including 2.5 sacks and a pass defended.

Both teams' over-under for total sacks at WynnBET is drastically different. The Rams come in at a total of 3, with the over (-130) heavily juiced to the under (+100). For Cincinnati, they're listed at only 1.5 sacks, but -140 on the over.

If the game is defensive-oriented, a player doesn't need to have a dominant performance to win. Back in Super Bowl XXXV, Ray Lewis ending up winning despite a 34-7 victory. He didn't record a sack, nor did he lead the team in tackles. Sometimes name-brand can go a long way, which would give yet another boost to Donald and Miller.

For even more Super Bowl betting plays, analysis and more, check out ourSuper Bowl Betting Hub HERE.