Super Bowl MVP Power Rankings: Can Sam Darnold Complete the Ultimate Comeback?
The Super Bowl MVP award is more than just a trophy; it’s a career-defining stamp of greatness. As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare to clash at Levi's Stadium for the Big Game, Sam Darnold has earned Super Bowl MVP favorite status.
Here are my official Super Bowl 60 MVP power rankings.
🔢 Super Bowl MVP power rankings
Who's winning Super Bowl MVP? Remember, it mostly is a QB award: QBs have won 34 of the 59 previous awards. All odds via BetMGM.
1. Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks (+115)
The case: All of the talk has been about Sam Darnold "seeing ghosts." I still can't believe people are bringing it up - that soundbite happened seven years ago. It's time for him to put that narrative to bed. Let's talk about this year; Darnold has been sensational in the postseason, throwing for 470 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 interceptions over two games. As the quarterback for the 4.5-point favorites, he is the safest bet on the board.
- Path to victory: A "game manager plus" performance. If Darnold throws for 250+ yards and two scores without turning the ball over, the narrative of his career resurgence will likely carry him to Super Bowl MVP.
2. Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots (+230)
The case: If the Patriots pull off the upset, it will be because Maye used both his legs and his arm to dismantle Mike Macdonald's vaunted defense. Despite some turnover struggles in the Divisional Round, Maye remains the engine of the New England offense and is working with a supporting cast that is lacking in the talent department when comparing the unit to Seattle's. He's doing more with less - and will win Super Bowl MVP if the upset is made.
- Path to victory: The "Dual threat" script. Maye needs a signature rushing touchdown paired with a clutch 4th-quarter drive to seal the win.
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks (+500)
The case: JSN just won Offensive Player of the Year after a historic season, leading the league in outside and slot receiving yards. He has a touchdown in both playoff games (12 touchdowns overall) and remains Sam Darnold’s "get out of jail free" card. He simply cannot be contained and is the best position player on the Super Bowl MVP odds board outside of quarterback.
- Path to victory: The Cooper Kupp model. If JSN pulls in 10+ catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns, he could easily steal the award from Darnold, especially if the QB throws an interception.
4. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks (+700)
The case: Seattle wants to control the clock. Walker has been a touchdown machine this postseason, racking up 178 rushing yards and four scores in two games. If the Seahawks are up come the fourth quarter, love for a HEAVY dose of Walker - which could secure him Super Bowl MVP.
- Path to victory: A multi-TD game. If Walker hits pay dirt twice and eclipses 100 yards while the Seahawks win a low-scoring affair, the voters will look toward the ground game.
🏈 The Super Bowl MVP long shots
Here's a deeper look at Super Bowl MVP sleepers at +2800 betting odds and longer - let's take a "shot" here.
| Player | Team | Odds | How they can win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernest Jones IV | SEA | +12500 | Leads the defense in takeaways; needs a defensive touchdown |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | NE | +2800 | The focal point of Mike Vrabel’s smash-mouth strategy |
| Rashid Shaheed | SEA | +3000 | A return TD + a deep receiving bomb is the "pure chaos" path |
🎟️ Super Bowl MVP ticket information
Here's a snapshot of what bettors are playing, how much money is being placed on each wager, and who's BetMGM's biggest liability.
Ticket percentage
| Rank | Player | Ticket % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Darnold | 12.7% |
| 2 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 11.4% |
| 3 | Drake Maye | 10.3% |
| 4 | Kenneth Walker III | 6.3% |
| 5 | Cooper Kupp | 4.7% |
Handle percentage
| Rank | Player | Handle % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Darnold | 24.9% |
| 2 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 16.0% |
| 3 | Drake Maye | 12.0% |
| 4 | Kenneth Walker III | 5.3% |
| 5 | Cooper Kupp | 3.2% |
Biggest liabilities
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cooper Kupp |
| 2 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba |
| 3 | Sam Darnold |
| 4 | Christian Gonzalez |
| 5 | Jason Myers |
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
