Almost every single year the quarterbacks of each team are the top two favorites to win the MVP award at the Super Bowl. That’s the case once again as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton leads the way at -140 while Peyton Manning is next in line at +275.
On the Panthers side of things, it’s hard to argue with Newton. After all, he’s not only the heartbeat of the team, he also guides the league’s top offense.
The Panthers scored 500 points this season, which was the most in the NFL. They don’t have any star wideouts and while tight end Greg Olsen and running back Jonathan Stewart were named Pro Bowlers this season, nobody would mistake them for the most important player on the team.
To put it in perspective, Newton has totaled 50 touchdowns in the regular season and playoffs this season. That accounts for all but 13 of the team’s touchdowns this year. If the Panthers win, he’s likely to be the MVP.
On the flip side, Manning might be a dicey bet at +275. Yes, he’s been respectable in the playoffs but this is by far Manning’s worst season as a pro (nine touchdowns, 17 interceptions).
If you had to name an MVP of the Broncos’ first two playoff games, it would probably be Von Miller in the AFC Championship Game (5.0 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2.0 tackles for a loss) and Brandon McManus in the Divisional Round (five field goals).
Of course, it’s probably Manning’s last game, so he might get the sentimental vote if he plays well enough. Miller is +2200 and McManus is +6600 to win the MVP award at Super Bowl 50.
A couple of names stand out in the sleeper category for Carolina as Josh Norman (+2800) could have a big day if Manning’s throws go astray. Norman was arguably the top cornerback in the NFL. Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly (+1400) will be a popular choice too. He’s sure to rack up the defensive stats as he typically does (three pick-sixes on the season).
For Denver, take a look at the running backs for MVP possibilities. If they win, it’s likely because they’ve found a way to run and ease the pressure off Manning. C.J. Anderson (+2200) and Ronnie Hillman (+6600) are a coin flip as they split carries fairly evenly.
Speaking of the coin flip, the market has been opened up for the coin flip. Heads is -105 and tails is -105. It’s literally a 50-50 proposition as heads has come up 24 times and tails has come up 25 times over the 49 Super Bowls. So don’t overthink it; just flip a coin.