Super Bowl LX games are all set. The quarterback has won seven of the last ten MVP awards, making the signal-caller the clear favorite in this matchup between Seattle and New England. However, with dynamic playmakers on both sides, the door is wide open for skill position players to steal the spotlight. Here are the top candidates to win Super Bowl MVP, ranked from long shot to favorite, according to CBS Sports.
8) Stefon Diggs (WR, New England Patriots)
January 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC wild card round at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +6000 odds​
Diggs enters the Super Bowl as a veteran capable of breaking up games with his savvy running game. While his prospects are bleak, his history of performance in big races makes him an interesting prospect for bettors looking for big returns. He needs multiple touchdown performances to really use the hardware.​
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7) Marcus Jones (CB/RS, New England Patriots)
July 28, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) heads to the practice field at Gillette Stadium for training camp. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +5500 odds​
Jones is the ultimate wildcard in this area and provides value as he contributes in multiple phases of the game. As the only defensive player ranked among the top contenders, his path to MVP will likely include a big play on special teams or a game-changing interception. Von Miller was the last defender to win the game, showing that it takes a dominant performance to break through.
6) Rashid Shahid (WR/RS, Seattle Seahawks)
December 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shahid (22) celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +2800 odds​
Known for his lightning speed, Shahid is the type of player who can rack up huge amounts of yardage, which is what MVP voters want to see. He’s in the middle of the pack among prospects and needs a signature deep passing game or a special teams spark to set himself apart. At +2800, oddsmakers consider him a dangerous but unlikely pick.
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5) Lamond Stevenson (RB, New England Patriots)
December 21, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) celebrates with New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) on a catch against Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +2500 odds​
Stevenson brings a physical running style that can define games if New England controls the tempo on the ground. No running back has won a Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998, which puts history against him. However, if the Patriots win a low-scoring, hard-fought game, Stevenson is the most logical beneficiary.
4) Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seattle Seahawks)
January 3, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +600 odds​
Walker sits right on the edge of the hot spot, providing explosive potential to turn the game on a single possession. Like Stevenson, he’s fighting against historical bias against running backs, but his odds suggest he’s far more likely to take over. If Seattle wins easily on the field, Walker is the guy.
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3) Jaxson Smith-Ngiba (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
November 9, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Rumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +550 odds​
As the top projected target in the passing game outside of quarterback, Smith-Ngiba has a realistic path to the trophy. Recent history favors receivers: Cooper Kupp and Julian Edelman have both won the award in the past decade. If Darnold throws for 300 yards, a big chunk of it will probably go to JSN.​
2) Derek Meyer (QB, New England Patriots)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) smiles after throwing a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter during an AFC wild-card round game at Gillette Stadium. Photo credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +235 odds​
Meyer enters his first Super Bowl as an underdog, but his dual-threat ability gives him a unique edge. His rushing ability is key in the AFC Champions League, and a similar performance on the biggest stage could sway voters in his favor. If the Patriots win in an upset, the award will almost certainly be his.​
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1) Sam Darnold (QB, Seattle Seahawks)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Photo credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Statistical line: +130 odds​
The narrative and numbers point to Darnold, who opens the game as the clear favorite to win the hardware. Coming off a 346-yard, three-TD masterpiece in the conference championship game, he’s playing the best football of his career at the perfect time. If Seattle wins, it will likely be because Darnold carves up the defense.​
Judgment
January 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC wild card round at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
History tells us to bet on quarterbacks, and the odds reflect that reality, with Darnold and Meyer leading the way. But with dynamic running backs and receivers lurking, this year’s MVP race feels wider than expected.
The post NFL: Ranking the top Super Bowl MVP odds appeared first on The Big Lead.
