Super Bowl 2012: MVP Betting Odds Favor Tom Brady and Eli Manning

Eli Manning has certainly proven that he belongs in the discussion of elite quarterbacks in the National Football League this season, which could be further cemented in capturing a second Lombardi Trophy in five years.

The Greek sports book currently has the Giants' signal-caller as the second choice in early wagering to win Super Bowl XLVI MVP honors, which isn't surprising due to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attracting plenty of action.

Let's take a closer look at the 14 options that are currently available in the betting market.

Mario Manningham, New York Giants WR

The New York Giants' receiving core will definitely have its chances downfield against one of the NFL's worst pass defenses, which gives him value in the market.

Problem is, he's the third option behind Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks—two players that should be open on Sunday.

Betting Odds: +3,500

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants RB

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs had a breakout game during Wild Card Weekend against the Atlanta Falcons, gaining 92 rushing yards on 14 carries.

He slipped back into his mediocre ways in the divisional round and championship game, rushing for 35 combined yards on the same amount of carries.

Not buying in.

Betting Odds: +3,300

Deion Branch, New England Patriots WR

Deion Branch has been a high-priced option in this category before, walking away with MVP honors in Super Bowl XXXIX on Feb. 6, 2005.

The New England Patriots receiver caught 11 passes for 133 yards on that day, while combining to grab 21 receptions in consecutive Super Bowls. 

A legitimate long shot due to past performances on the NFL's biggest stage.

Betting Odds: +3,000

Danny Woodhead, New England Patriots RB

The betting odds offer no value in backing New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead, as his amount of touches has gone down with the emergence of BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

I'd take a flyer on Deion Branch before wagering on this 27-year-old from Chadron State.

Betting Odds: +2,600

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants RB

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been battling foot injuries for most of the year, but he has provided a lift to the offense during the 2012 NFL playoffs.

He has gained 295 combined yards in the rushing and passing game in three playoff games, giving the NFC champions an every-down option in the backfield.

I'm backing off due to his 2.6 yard-per-carry average indoors this season.

Betting Odds: +1,600

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots RB

New England Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis proved to be a nice option on the ground against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, finishing with 68 rushing yards on 15 carries.

He will need to pick up valuable yards inside the tackles on Sunday as the Patriots look to slow down the New York Giants pass rush.

Going over the 100-yard rushing mark just once this season has me looking elsewhere.

Betting Odds: +1,600

Wes Welker, New England Patriots WR

I was expecting more out of Wes Welker in the AFC Championship Game, as he finished with just six catches and 53 receiving yards.

He's due for one of those monster games, which makes him dangerous on the fast track inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Betting Odds: +1,200

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants WR

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has the ability to take over Super Bowl XLVI, which gives him tremendous value at the current betting odds.

The former North Carolina Tar Heels star has caught 18 passes for 335 receiving yards and four touchdowns in three playoff games this year.

A nice price for a somewhat unknown commodity outside of New York City.

Betting Odds: +1,200

Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots TE

The New England Patriots have the NFL's best one-two punch at the tight end position, but I'm not buying Aaron Hernandez at this point due to the uncertainty of Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury.

It's likely that none of us will know the full extent of that injury until he takes the field Sunday.

His versatility is worth a long look in this category.

Betting Odds: +1,200

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots TE

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be limited by an ankle injury on Sunday, which has me looking elsewhere at a better price.

He's still a dangerous target inside the red zone on Sunday.

Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker will likely be Tom Brady's middle-of-the-field targets against the New York Giants.

Betting Odds: +800

Victor Cruz, New York Giants WR

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz came out of nowhere during the regular season and continued to perform in the playoffs, catching 17 passes for 244 yards in three games.

He's going to receive some action in this category due to his 10-catch performance against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, but I'd rather buy Hakeem Nicks at a better price.

A salsa-dancing MVP is not out of the question.

Betting Odds: +800

Field

The New York Giants' defensive line will get plenty of media attention this week as they get ready to chase after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on Sunday.

A field wager in this category gives you every player not featured in this article.

If you anticipate a low-scoring game, this is the way to go.

Betting Odds: +650

Eli Manning, New York Giants QB

Quarterback Eli Manning earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XLII, leading the New York Giants to a 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots.

He completed 19-of-34 passes for 255 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception, locking down the award with a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.

An obvious player if you believe the Giants pull off a slight upset Sunday.

Betting Odds: +285

Tom Brady, New England Patriots QB

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady certainly has revenge on his mind, which has caused the oddsmakers to overvalue him in this offering.

Casual fans will likely jump at the opportunity to play him at such odds, but most of the heavy action will land on other players.

Don't even think about backing Brady unless you forecast the Patriots scoring 28 or more points inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Betting Odds: -125