By Larry Rupp
The NFL MVP race is typically dominated by the best quarterbacks in the game and the 2021 season is no different. The Cardinals’ Kyler Murray (+450) and Dallas QB Dak Prescott (+450) can be found atop the MVP odds with the Bills’ Josh Allen (+500) right on their tail.
However, the best bets aren’t always the easy ones. There are a few names to keep an eye on that could shock fans down the stretch. With that being said, let’s take a look at some under-the-radar NFL MVP candidates, with odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Justin Herbert (+1400)
Quarterback Justin Herbert was near the top of this race before a poor outing in Week 6 caused his odds to plummet. He has great value at +1400, though. Herbert currently ranks among the top signal-callers in passing yards as well as passing touchdowns. The 2020 first-round pick has been putting up highlight plays seemingly every week and is playing behind an improved offensive line. If he can lead the Chargers to an AFC West title, Herbert has a legitimate shot to take home the hardware.
This throw by Justin Herbert late in the fourth quarter. Wow. Keenan Allen points to him after the play. pic.twitter.com/sLCXyLJinY
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) October 11, 2021
Derrick Henry (+2500)
Running back Adrian Peterson was the last non-quarterback to take home the MVP award when he rushed for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2012 season. Well, look out for Tennessee Titans star ball-carrier Derrick Henry. The sixth-year pro is single-handedly carrying Tennessee’s offense by averaging a ridiculous 130.5 rushing yards per game and has scored three touchdowns in a game three different times this season. Don’t look now, but Henry is on pace to break the single-season rushing record. He is an underrated MVP candidate given he can keep up the impressive pace.
King Henry takes one to the crib 😤
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 19, 2021
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/IUtHAcD2k1
Davante Adams (+6500)
It’s been a while since a wide receiver has truly deserved to be in the thick of the playoff race, but that is how good Davante Adams has been. The Green Bay Packers’ No. 1 wideout is averaging a career-high in receiving yards per game. The No. 1 seed remains up for grabs in the NFC and Adams’ ability to break open games with his crisp route-running abilities could guide Green Bay to the top. It’s not a question of if Adams will ever be an MVP candidate, but when he will be. 2021 might be his year.
Davante Adams goin' crazy. #GoPackGo
— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2021
📺: #GBvsCHI on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/NPFRfqrD39
TJ Watt (+10000)
It’s always worth mentioning a defensive mastermind when it comes to discussing possible MVP candidates. Linebacker TJ Watt fits the mold here simply because of the role he plays on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. The 27-year-old leads the NFL with 3 forced fumbles, including one in overtime that helped the Steelers secure a win in Week 6. Watt has been a force when rushing the passer or dropping back in coverage. His versatility makes him stand out and he’s near the top of league leaders in sacks. Fans looking to make a long-shot bet should target Watt at +10000 odds.
TJ WATT FORCES THE FUMBLE. #HereWeGo
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2021
📺: #SEAvsPIT on NBC
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/SbUBpLy0qI
Picture Credit: Google Creative Commons Licenses
