NFL Playoff Predictions: Odds on the 13 Most Likely Super Bowl MVPs

It's time again. With the Super Bowl a little over three weeks away, there are eight teams left. We have the clearest picture of who's got a shot to win the whole thing that we've ever had.

The purpose of this slideshow isn't to analyze who has the best shot to win the whole thing, but we're looking at who has the best shot to win the MVP.

And to win the MVP, typically that player must first of all win the game. Secondly, he has to make a big impact on the game. Both of which are taken into consideration in this piece.

That's why there's an abundance of quarterbacks as they often make the greatest impact to the game. That's why there are also an abundance of players from the top teams at the top. They have the best shot to actually make it to the Super Bowl.

I also included a player from every team remaining in the playoff field, as every team has the opportunity to reach the Super Bowl. I felt every team needed to be represented.

But, here we go...can you guess who has the best odds?

1 Percent: Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos QB

Really? No way.

But hey, Tebow and the Broncos weren’t supposed to topple the Pittsburgh Steelers. Crazier things than Tebow winning the Super Bowl MVP have happened.

Among remaining playoff teams, the Broncos are arguably the least likely to make it to the Super Bowl. But if they do make the Super Bowl, many will look to Tebow throughout the contest as the difference maker. Statistics be damned.

2 Percent: Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers CB

With the No. 32 pass defense in all of the NFL, the defensive secondary of the Green Bay Packers will be on full display if Green Bay reaches the Super Bowl—which is very likely.

That means Woodson, who’s tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (seven), will have ample opportunities to make plays on the opposition’s quarterback. If it’s a low scoring affair and Woodson makes the defensive play to change the game then he’s the Super Bowl MVP.

2 Percent: Arian Foster, Houston Texans RB

If the Houston Texans make it to the Super Bowl and win, given their lack of a passing game with T.J. Yates at the helm, then they need Foster to run like he did against the Cincinnati Bengals when he stormed off for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

The Texans will be lucky to beat the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC divisional round, which is why Foster’s percentage is at this level.

2 Percent: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens MLB

Lewis represents the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens defense. And as a player nearing the end of his career, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had an outstanding Super Bowl performance—should Baltimore make it there.

The Ravens should be the second favorite to represent the AFC in the game, and given that Baltimore is a defensively driven team it isn’t inconceivable that he could be the MVP.

4 Percent: Eli Manning, New York Giants QB

This man has shown the ability to be clutch before, and although years have passed since then, he’s still got it in him.

His team may be peaking at the right time, so this may be too small of a percentage to provide a former Super Bowl winning quarterback, but if his Giants can capture three straight upsets, my guess is that Eli had a hand in there.

4 Percent: Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers RB

An Alex Smith quarterbacked team in the Super Bowl? I’m not buying it. But as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the 49ers have the talent on the roster to compensate for him.

Gore gives the 49ers an opportunity to be an offensive threat despite Smith. He’ll have to be a stellar playmaker if the 49ers are in the Super Bowl and wish to be successful.

5 Percent: Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints RB

Mr. Do-It-All for the Saints led the NFL in all-purpose yards this season (2,696). As such, he’s the type of player that can affect the game in a number of different ways: as a receiver, a running back and as a return man.

As such, his versatility gives him ample opportunities to make an impact on the Super Bowl game, should his team reach the promised land.

5 Percent: Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens RB

The offense of the Baltimore Ravens is not known for its passing game. It’s known for its running game. And if quarterback Joe Flacco is playing in the Super Bowl it’s probably because of the defense and Rice.

Rice, much like Darren Sproles, can affect the game through the running or passing game. He’s one of the best players in the league when he’s in the open field, meaning he’ll have an opportunity to impact his first Super Bowl.

7 Percent: Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers WR

He is Aaron Rodgers’ No. 1 target. When these two hook-up on passing plays, magic happens. If Jennings hadn’t missed the final three games of the regular season then he could have had the best season among receivers.

Instead he finished with a measly nine touchdowns, 67 receptions, and 949 yards receiving.

Since offensive players are much more likely to win the award and Jennings is the No. 2 offensive weapon on the favorite to win the Super Bowl, this is a good spot for him.

8 Percent: Wes Welker, New England Patriots WR

Known for his ability to go off at anytime, why not on the biggest stage the league can offer?

He is Brady’s most trusted target. He had 122 receptions, 1,569 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. Given the Patriots’ ability to score in bunches—particularly through the air—if New England is in the Super Bowl and put on a show then Welker could be in line for the award (if it’s not given to Brady).

10 Percent: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints QB

If you’re not in the corner of the Green Bay Packers to win the NFC, then you’re probably a believer in the New Orleans Saints.

Given the strong odds that the Saints make it to the Super Bowl and with Brees having the type of year he has (breaking Dan Marino's passing record in the regular season), I would expect Brees to have a big Super Bowl. As the Saints best player—and a quarterback—he has a good chance to be the game’s MVP.

20 Percent: Tom Brady, New England Patriots QB

As the quarterback of the favorite to win the AFC, Brady should be in prime position to be in the game that’ll win him the award. Some will argue that Brady is the MVP of the league.

Given the Patriots strong pass game, No. 2 in the league, Brady will have a plethora of opportunities to pad his stats if the Patriots are in the Super Bowl.

30 Percent: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers QB

Rodgers led the NFL in passer rating (122.5), second in touchdown passes (45), second in completion percentage (68.3 percent), and threw the third fewest interceptions (six) this season.

He is the best quarterback in the league on the best team in football. His team is favorite to win the Super Bowl and was the No. 3 passing unit in 2011. He should be everyone’s leading candidate to win this award.