One of the most prestigious awards in professional football is also — shockingly — one which people love to have a little bit staked on the outcome thereof. Yes, I am speaking of the Super Bowl MVP award. Well, online bookmaker BetUS.com has heard the cry and is offering no fewer than 20 players for sports bettors to wager on in their 2009 Super Bowl MVP odds.
Trying to figure out who will win the Super Bowl MVP is an inexact science, but it never hurts to examine the probability of certain candidates odds to win. So, just to cover all the bases, here are a couple of dark horse contenders that may have a shot at the coveted honor.
On the defensive side of the ball two players that standout are Steelers linebacker James Harrison and Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson. Harrison, who is listed at +3000 moneyline odds to win the MVP award, has 10 tackles and one sack thus far in the post-season. Wilson, listed at +5000 odds, has had a bigger impact for his squad in the playoffs, recording 16 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Only two safeties and two linebackers have ever been named Super Bowl MVP (Chuck Howley – LB Dallas 1971, Ray Lewis – LB Baltimore 2001, Dexter Jackson – STY Tampa Bay 2003, Jake Scott – STY Miami 1973).
Now, given that quarterbacks have won the Super Bowl MVP prize 22 times, it is no revelation that Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner are the favorites to win this year's award. Big Ben, who is the overall favorite at +175 moneyline odds, has been a solid performer in the playoffs, despite his mediocre passing numbers. Most importantly, he has not thrown an interception or fumbled the ball in Pittsburgh's two post-season wins.
Warner, who was the Super Bowl XXXIV MVP, is listed at +200 moneyline odds to be a repeat winner. The 37 year old passer had an amazing regular season for the Cardinals and has continued his strong play in the playoffs. Warner leads all post-season quarterbacks with a 112.1 passer rating and eight touchdown passes.
Here are a few players listed at BetUS.com's 2009 Super Bowl MVP Odds:
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) +175
Kurt Warner (ARI) +200
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) +500
Willie Parker (PIT) +600
Troy Polamalu (PIT) +1000
Edgerrin James (ARI) +1200
Anquan Boldin (ARI) +1500
Santonio Holmes (PIT) +1500
Hines Ward (PIT) +1500
James Harrison (PIT) +3000
Steve Breaston (ARI) +4000
Adrian Wilson (ARI) +5000
Field (Any Other Player) +800
Matt Foust won both of his conference championship plays this past weekend and he is ready to serve up plenty of Super Bowl action. Each individual play costs $15.00, however, Point-Spreads.com recommends purchasing Matt's NFL Playoff Package which includes all of Matt's Super Bowl props and picks from just $45.00.
