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Saquon Barkley’s MVP push has sportsbooks’ attention

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Saquon Barkley Emerges as MVP Contender Following Record-Breaking Performance

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has rapidly climbed the MVP odds leaderboard, becoming the first non-quarterback in over a decade with a legitimate shot at the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. Barkley’s stellar debut season with the Eagles has not only turned heads but also reshaped sportsbooks’ outlooks on the MVP race.

Barkley’s Meteoric Rise in MVP Odds

At the start of the season, Barkley was a +30000 underdog at BetMGM to win MVP honors. By Week 11, his odds had halved, dropping further to +5000 before his standout performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley’s dominant game, featuring 255 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 47 receiving yards, propelled him to +650 by Sunday night and now +400 as of Tuesday.

Currently, Barkley trails only quarterbacks Josh Allen (+150) and Lamar Jackson (+250) in the MVP race at BetMGM, making him their biggest liability in the market.

Offensive Player of the Year Favorite

Barkley is the overwhelming favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) honors at -400, having opened at +2500. His closest competitor, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, remains a distant second at +275 despite trailing Barkley by just 67 rushing yards.

Christian Cipollini, trading manager at BetMGM, noted, “Nobody can stop Saquon right now, and the bettors know it.”

DraftKings has also adjusted Barkley’s MVP odds significantly. Once a +4000 longshot, he is now the third favorite at +475, sitting behind Allen (+150) and Jackson. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff follows Barkley at +700, while Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes rounds out the top five at +1300.

Key MVP Market Movers Post-Week 12

  • Jayden Daniels (Washington): The rookie quarterback’s odds dropped sharply from +2500 to +6000 after the Commanders’ loss to Dallas.
  • C.J. Stroud (Houston): Stroud’s chances plummeted from +2800 to +9000 following the Texans’ upset loss to Tennessee.
  • Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay): Mayfield saw improvement, moving from +5000 to +3500 after leading the Buccaneers to a dominant victory over the Giants.

Barkley’s Historical Implications

If Barkley clinches the MVP, he would become the first running back to win the award since Adrian Peterson in 2012. His league-leading 1,392 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns have reignited conversations about non-quarterback MVP candidates, showcasing his ability to dominate games both on the ground and in the air.

With Barkley now a central figure in the MVP discussion, all eyes will be on his performance as the Eagles push toward the postseason. His historic ascent offers bettors a rare opportunity to back a running back in an award typically dominated by quarterbacks.